Last week, I attended my first IPC general meeting as president in Manama, Bahrain.
Reports and discussions ranged from very detailed insights into President Parsons’ activities over the past year to a comprehensive presentation on the IPC classification review on the first day of the conference.
On the second day, awards were presented to athletes, officials, current bright stars and athletic role models. Although the Paralympic Order was only notified of the honor during COVID-19, it has spent decades working with members, including those who were able to attend in person, to be recognized for the honor. It was also awarded to those who
On the third day of the General Assembly, we decided whether we would maintain the total suspension of Russia and Belarus decided earlier in Berlin, or whether we would like to allow athletes from both countries to compete in their individual events as neutral nations. I faced some serious questions about whether or not.
After extensive and emotional speeches by the National People’s Congresses of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, a close vote decided to allow athletes to compete as neutrals.
Naturally, this decision will affect many international sports federations, including the activities of IBSA. We would like to convene a special IBSA Board meeting to discuss the impact on us and communicate the expected impact accordingly.
Bahrain was an opportunity for me to meet with international experts, Paralympic Committee leaders from IBSA member states, and other stakeholders to discuss the reform directions IBSA is considering.
My team and I are: Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Moldova, Italy, Montenegro, Bahrain, Iran, Asian Paralympic Committee, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Oceanic Paralympic Committee, Guinea.
Many of our Paralympic colleagues have supported the steps taken to make IBSA once again a meaningful vehicle for the success of sport and the Paralympic Games in the global blind community.
A productive discussion was held on the issue of medical classification and its potential for further reform with Mr. Tee Sisik, Head of IPC Classification. The meeting was attended by General Secretary Sally Wood-Lamont, Director Tinatin Levajishvili, Executive Director Tony Sainsbury and my PA Rufat Gaziri. It was decided to continue consultation on this issue within the framework of the IBSA Classification Committee, chaired by Vice-Chairman Joe Walsh.
Overall, my days in Bahrain were productive and I believe that people’s awareness of new possibilities for IBSA was increased.
