The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched its first Athlete Internship Program, a pioneering initiative that aims to facilitate the transition of Paralympic athletes into the professional world. On Monday, Paralympians Cassie Cava from Ireland and Maja Theuma from Malta began their internship at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, marking the start of a project that responds to growing demand within the Paralympic movement.
Following an international selection process, Cassie Cava, a recently retired triathlete and participant in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, has joined the IPC Games Operations team. Meanwhile, swimmer and Paris 2024 Paralympian Maja Theuma joins the Brand, Content and Communications department.
Paid internships for professional development
The program, funded by a donation from Japanese musician and artist Shingo Katori, offers one-year paid internships. The aim is to support athletes in their transition from high-level competition to new professional stages, providing direct experience in key IPC departments.
The initiative follows the IPC Athletes’ Forum held in 2023, where nearly 73% of Paralympic athletes expressed interest in such opportunities. IPC Chief Executive Dr. Mike Peters PLY has highlighted the importance of supporting athletes both in their sporting careers and in their development as leaders within the Paralympic movement.
Leading careers in Paralympic sport
Before competing internationally in triathlon, Cassie Cava was a snowboarder and has served as an athlete representative in governance processes. Cava has expressed her satisfaction at being part of the IPC: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to learn from all those who are leading the way globally to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place through sport.”
Maja Theuma is president of the Athletes’ Council of the Malta Paralympic Committee and a member of the national executive committee. She has led initiatives in athlete welfare, branding, and digital communication, and is currently conducting academic research at the University of Malta.
A program made possible by art and solidarity
Funding for the Athlete Internship Program has been made possible by a €100,000 donation from the Shingo Katori NFT Art Charity Project. Katori, IPC Special Ambassador for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, created a mural at the Nippon Foundation Para Sports Support Centre (NPFSC), which was later transformed into a limited series of NFTs. Part of the funds raised went towards promoting Paralympic sport in Japan and the rest to the IPC internship programme.
The selection process for the Athlete Internship Programme began in January 2025. The IPC currently has six Paralympians and two Paralympic athletes among its 140 team members, consolidating its commitment to giving athletes a voice and a leading role in the evolution of the Paralympic movement and the global sports industry.
