"VAN" (Sports Desk - 09.05.2026) :: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) welcomed 28 International Federations (IFs), International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs) and Recognised International Federations (RIFs), as well as the Association of Paralympic Sport Organisations (APSO) to its headquarters in Bonn, Germany, for its IF and IOSD Open Days, from 4 to 8 May 2026.
Over 50 representatives from sporting bodies participated in over 135 one-on-one meetings with key staff from IPC departments. Meetings took place with subject matter leads from Paralympic Games Sport, Classification, Membership, Anti-doping and Communications. Representatives also met with IPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Mike Peters PLY and IPC Deputy CEO Kristina Molloy.
Discussions explored opportunities and challenges, exchange of best practices, and planning for the future. Interactive sessions were offered, where participants shared insights and best practices and identified key challenges and initiatives to strengthen Para sport development. Separate sessions focused on implementation of the 2025 Classification Code, and evolving practices for member engagement. The sessions provided an opportunity for mutual learning and knowledge sharing.
Dr Mike Peters PLY, IPC CEO, said: “The IPC is a member-focused organisation and events like the IF and IOSD Open Days are key opportunities to connect with our members and exchange insights. These touchpoints support shared learning, strengthen collaboration, and help us better understand members’ needs and priorities.
“International Federations help us advance Para sport and establish the framework within which athletes compete from the playground to the podium. It has been fantastic to welcome so many of our sporting bodies to our campus and discuss plans to support the growth of the Paralympic Movement on the road to the LA28 Paralympic Games and French Alps 2030 Paralympic Winter Games.”
Commenting on his experience of the event, Paul Trayner, World Boccia CEO, said: “The IPC IF and IOSD Open Days are a critical touch point between International Federations like World Boccia and our most important partner, the IPC. These meetings give us the opportunity to really progress discussions on key topics and a reassurance that working collaboratively will help us achieve our collective goals.
“Having our IF and IOSD colleagues together at the same time allows us the opportunity to network, share challenges and insights, and look at ways in which we can work more closely together moving forward.”
Responses
Leave your comment