The International Paralympic Committee aims to create a better world for people with disabilities.

Speaking at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin, Germany, the 48-year-old President affirmed the transformative power of Para sport and its role in promoting greater inclusion for the world’s 1.3 billion people with disabilities. President Andrew Parsons also reaffirmed the IPC’s commitment to supporting development in 150 countries by 2029 and creating more opportunities for people with disabilities.

President Andrew Parsons asserts that Paralympic sports truly change the world . (Photo: insidethegames)

“At the International Paralympic Committee, we envision a future where everyone with a disability has the opportunity to participate in sport in any way they want, whether recreationally or competitively. To achieve this, we need accessible infrastructure and equipment that makes sport for people with disabilities possible,” said President Andrew Parsons.

President Andrew Parsons also highlighted the wider impact of disability sport, noting the role the sector plays in breaking down stereotypes, empowering individuals, promoting community inclusion and contributing to better employment opportunities, healthcare and economic growth.

“Access to sport for people with disabilities leads to greater inclusion in all areas. Sport reduces stigma and discrimination associated with disability. Sport empowers individuals, changes attitudes, promotes mobility and leads to community inclusion, better employment, health outcomes and stronger economies,” said President Andrew Parsons.

Chairman Andrew Parsons made it clear that, alongside legislation and government policy, access to and participation in sport for people with disabilities can spark huge change in society. Disability sport can be a catalyst for transformative change and a more inclusive world for all, but this cannot happen without accessible infrastructure.

In his speech, President Andrew Parsons also described the Paralympic Games as the world’s most transformative sporting event, noting the role they have played in driving major improvements in facilities that benefit entire communities. Since the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992, every Paralympic Games has led to transformative change. Hosting an event of this scale has led to governments, mayors and local authorities paying greater attention to the rights of people with disabilities, triggering major infrastructure projects.

Chairman Andrew Parsons highlighted Tokyo's progress ahead of the 2021 Paralympics, where metro accessibility has increased from 70% in 2013 to almost 100% by the Opening Ceremony. The 2024 Paris Paralympics have seen more than €1.5 billion invested in disability inclusion, with the mayor calling it an "Accessibility Revolution".

Chairman Andrew Parsons also pointed to upcoming accessibility improvements for Milano Cortina in 2026 when the Winter Paralympics take place, including upgrades to public transport and venues such as Arena di Verona. Chairman Andrew Parsons stressed that accessibility improvements must extend beyond major sporting events.

The President also strongly believes that Paralympic sport is a vehicle towards a more inclusive world and improving infrastructure – embedding accessible and inclusive design into every project from the start – is not just a result of hosting the Paralympic Games.

President Andrew Parsons cited a 2022 European Union Resolution that recognises the important role of sports infrastructure in supporting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The resolution highlights the need for barrier-free access to sports facilities to maximise participation.

"Paralympic sport truly changes the world" was the comment that President Andrew Parsons used to conclude his speech.

Launched in 2018, the Global Disability Summit is a key platform to improve the lives of people with disabilities, particularly in the global south. It brings together global, regional and national stakeholders committed to promoting disability-inclusive development and humanitarian initiatives. The third Summit, co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance, the Government of Germany and the Government of Jordan, took place in Berlin.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/uy-ban-paralympic-quoc-te-huong-den-muc-tieu-tai-ra-mot-the-gioi-tot-dep-hon-cho-nguoi-khuyet-tat-20250409095426579.htm