The president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, made a historic visit to Vanuatu, the first time an IPC president has traveled to the South Pacific nation. During his stay, from May 24-26, Parsons participated in key activities to promote the development of Paralympic sport in the country.
On his first day in Port Vila, Parsons attended a training and qualification camp, in addition to participating in the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee’s (VPC) annual fundraising dinner. During the event, co-hosted by the Carbine Club, a short film was shown about the innovative Hub & Spoke program, which seeks to identify and develop Paralympic athletes in rural areas of the country.
An innovative program to discover talent
On the second day, Parsons visited Tanna Island, where the Hub & Spoke program is in full implementation. This model allows rural communities to access resources and training, fostering the inclusion and development of athletes with disabilities. The initiative has been so successful that other National Paralympic Committees in Oceania are adopting this approach.
During his visit to Tanna, Parsons met with local chiefs and visited the John Frum Cargo Cult Custom village, home to several Paralympic athletes who train under the Hub & Spoke model. These interactions allowed the IPC president to better understand the barriers athletes face on their path to competition.
Meetings with local leaders and communities
Parsons highlighted the resilience of the people of Vanuatu in the face of climate and social challenges, and praised the transformative impact of Paralympic sport in remote communities. According to Parsons, “Paralympic sport is not just about competition, it is about empowerment, inclusion and opportunity.”
Margaret MacFarlane, president of the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee, stressed the importance of Parsons’ visit in bringing visibility to the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the country. “In Vanuatu, people with disabilities are often excluded from community life. Andrew’s visit brought attention to these challenges and will hopefully inspire greater global support.”
Vanuatu’s Paralympic history
Vanuatu made its debut at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games with two athletes in javelin events. After a brief absence in 2004, the country returned in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. At the Paris 2024 Games, Vanuatu was also represented by two athletes, continuing its commitment to the Paralympic movement.
Andrew Parsons’ visit reinforces the IPC’s commitment to the development of Paralympic sport in remote regions.
