What Did the IPC Athletes' Forum 2025 Achieve for Athlete Well-being and Development?

Duisburg (Germany), June 27 (NationPress) Over 70 athlete representatives from more than 50 nations convened in Bonn and Duisburg, Germany, for the fourth edition of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Forum, which took place from June 24 to 26, 2025.

This Forum united athlete leaders from National Paralympic Committees, International Federations, Regional Organisations, International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled, and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Throughout the three days, participants engaged in constructive discussions on crucial topics that will shape the future of the Paralympic Movement.

The opening day featured welcoming remarks from IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson Vladyslava Kravchenko and IPC President Andrew Parsons, along with sessions addressing IPC governance with IPC Chief Executive Officer Mike Peters and the Paralympic Games with IPC Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn.

The day concluded with the inauguration of the IPC’s new headquarters in Bonn, attended by officials from federal, state, and local levels, as well as IPC Governing Board members, para-athletes, Team IPC staff, and other esteemed guests.

Juan Diego Blas, a para-archer from Guatemala who participated in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, expressed: “Being at the Athletes’ Forum was incredible. Besides competing in the Paralympic Games, my dream was to visit Bonn and meet Team IPC. What could be more fulfilling than attending the inauguration of the new headquarters?”

“All the athletes were thrilled to be part of the celebration, and the IPC's new home is a reason to rejoice. The Forum was outstanding.”

The second day emphasized athlete knowledge and education. Sessions included the fundamentals of classification and the new 2025 IPC Athlete Classification Code. Discussions also focused on anti-doping compliance and athlete responsibilities. A special workshop led by TikTok, titled Maximising Your Social Media Presence, equipped athletes with practical tools to enhance their digital platforms, connect with fans, and elevate the profile of para-sport.

Thomas Borg, a para-athlete from Malta, shared: “The TikTok presentation was my favorite session. In today’s world, it’s vital to share messages in an authentic and raw manner. TikTok makes it easy to convey your message, which I appreciate.”

“While I was already familiar with structuring a better content plan, the presentation clarified many aspects. I aim to post more consistently and hope to catch up to the @Paralympics TikTok channel.”

The final day featured a panel discussing athlete representation and well-being. Breakout discussions enabled participants to share experiences and ideas aimed at improving representation and the overall athlete experience at the Paralympic Games.

The IPC also highlighted its impact and development programs, including grant opportunities and initiatives designed to support para-athlete leadership.

Reynold Hoover, Chief Executive Officer of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, and John Harper, Chief Operating Officer of LA28, participated on the final day to interact with athletes and gather insights on what constitutes an exceptional Paralympic Games experience.

IPC President Andrew Parsons remarked: “The IPC Athletes’ Forum is an event created for athletes, by athletes, and serves as a platform where athletes from around the world can deepen their understanding of the Paralympic Movement and share their insights on various topics.”

“Sport is transformative; it dismantles barriers, fosters confidence, and unites individuals across cultures. This is why athlete input is not only welcomed but is fundamental to everything we pursue as we aim for a more inclusive and athlete-oriented Paralympic Movement.”

Vladyslava Kravchenko, IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson, added: “It was inspiring to witness so many athlete representatives from around the globe convene for three days of valuable dialogue at the IPC Athletes’ Forum. I was particularly pleased that many athletes from Africa and Latin America attended and contributed, thanks to the IPC Solidarity Programme. Our goal now is to maintain an open dialogue among athletes as we plan for the future.”

To promote diversity and equitable representation within the Paralympic Movement, the IPC supported 21 athlete representatives from eligible National Paralympic Committees to attend the Forum through its Solidarity Programme.

Yaimillie Marie Diaz Colon, a para-athlete from Puerto Rico and a grant recipient to attend the Forum, stated: “Being here was very emotional for me. I gained valuable insights that I can bring back to my country.”

“My presence here signifies an opportunity for growth in Puerto Rico. I can gather new ideas and share them back home, which serves as motivation for the youth.”