The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched the first Impact Strategy in its history, a document that reinforces the organisation’s role not only as the governing body of the Paralympic Movement, but also as a global leader in inclusion and social legacy. The initiative aims to provide measurable evidence of how Para sport acts as a catalyst for change in the lives of the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities, representing more than 15% of the global population.
The launch, accompanied by the publication of the ‘IPC Impact Insights’ catalogue, marks a milestone in the organisation’s governance. This compendium brings together data, case studies and examples of best practice, designed to serve as a practical resource for the more than 210 member federations and national committees within the IPC.
Four strategic areas to advance inclusion and legacy
The Impact Strategy is built around four interconnected pillars. The first focuses on strengthening Para sport development at all levels and in all contexts. The second emphasises consolidating the legacy of the Paralympic Games as a global platform for sporting excellence, visibility and transformation in host cities.
The other two pillars highlight the creation of strategic partnerships to reinforce global influence on public policy and the development of a stronger evidence base. Improved data collection and analysis will allow more accurate measurement of the reach of Para sport and provide objective arguments for investment and decision-making.
A powerful tool for change
Kristina Molloy, IPC Deputy Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Without doubt, Para sport is an extremely powerful tool to drive social change and disability inclusion. The launch of the Impact Strategy represents a historic milestone in the Paralympic Movement.”
She added that the document will “articulate and expand on the IPC’s impact, strengthening the work of its members and athletes, and building partnerships with like-minded institutions to accelerate global attention on the systemic changes required for disability inclusion.”
Parallels with other sporting institutions
Dr. Mike Peters PLY, IPC Chief Executive Officer, stressed that the organisation “is, first and foremost, a sporting entity”, but noted that its mission is embedded within the international disability rights movement. “The Impact Strategy will explain what impact means to the IPC, unite members and stakeholders around this shared purpose, and ultimately provide evidence of the power of Para sport to transform communities, nations and societies,” he said.
With this strategy, the IPC aligns with international governance trends also promoted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in areas such as legacy, sustainability and social values, while reinforcing its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A resource for federations and national programmes
The ‘IPC Impact Insights’ catalogue, developed with input from member federations, compiles in a single document an extensive body of research, data and success stories related to Para sport and inclusive physical activity. Its purpose is to equip national and regional organisations with tools to measure outcomes, share experiences and strengthen their own inclusion programmes.
In addition, the IPC has launched dedicated digital channels focused on impact. At www.paralympic.org/impact, details of the four strategic pillars can be found, along with information on the wide range of services and programmes available to affiliated organisations.
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