ISF Meets with IPC to Explore Future Cooperation in Para Sport Development

Dec. 18, Lausanne, Switzerland – ISF held an initial meeting with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) at the ISF headquarters in Lausanne, marking an important step in exploring future cooperation in the field of para sport and inclusive school sport development.

The meeting was attended by ISF President Željko Tanasković, ISF Vice President Antônio Hora, ISF Executive Director Hasnae El Ayoubi, and IPC President Andrew Parsons. CBDE President Robson Aguiar also joined the meeting.

Discussions focused on ISF’s ongoing efforts to further expand para sport within its event portfolio, building on existing ISF Gymnasiade sports such as para swimming, para judo, para badminton, and para athletics. Education was highlighted as a key pillar of potential cooperation, particularly the importance of supporting and training PE teachers to work effectively with children with disabilities.

IPC President Andrew Parsons underlined his strong belief in the power of sport as an educational tool and recognised the significant potential for collaboration at school-sport level. Both organisations also shared views on the importance of inclusive environments for young athletes, noting that, within ISF age groups, integrated participation remains ideal whenever logistical conditions allow.

As a next step, ISF and IPC agreed to continue discussions towards a Memorandum of Understanding, as part of the process for ISF to work towards IPC recognition and to strengthen inclusive pathways in school sport worldwide.