"VAN" (Sports Desk - 07.10.2026) :: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has reached a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen Para sport globally, training its 250th Local Leader during a course held in Cambodia.
Launched in December 2025, the Local Leaders initiative originally aimed to train 200 individuals across 50 countries with the practical tools, knowledge and strategies needed to help National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) expand Para sport in their nations. Owing to the course's success, that figure has now surpassed 250 trained Local Leaders. The initiative forms part of the IPC's Sport for Mobility programme, funded through a grant agreement with Toyota Mobility Foundation.
The first Local Leaders training took place with NPC Madagascar nine months ago and involved four individuals. The training with NPC Cambodia welcomed eight participants, including Song Sokleap, who became the 250th Local Leader to complete the training.
The Local Leaders training course builds on participant’s knowledge of the Paralympic Movement and Para sport development with an introductory online session. This is then followed by three days of intensive in-person workshops, real-world cases studies and hands-on strategic planning exercises. These sessions help participants gain knowledge and skills in stakeholder networking and building partnerships to strengthen their organisations.
As part of the course, each participant contributes to a two-year action plan focused on increasing grassroots participation in Para sport and establishing sustainable athlete pathways. Ongoing mentoring and follow-up support help ensure these plans can be effectively implemented.
Kristina Molloy, the IPC’s interim CEO, said: “Through the IPC’s Sport for Mobility programme, we are collaborating with 50 National Paralympic Committees to strengthen their entire Para sport ecosystems from the ground up.
“Fundamentally successful development of Para sport comes down to people. This is why our focus has been on collaborating directly with our NPCs to recruit, train and empower Local Leaders in 50 countries and across five continents. We have now trained 250 Local Leaders who share a commitment to working within their respective National Paralympic Committees to fuel sustainable Para sport growth.”
Yi Veasna, Secretary General of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, said: “The Local Leaders course is a great opportunity, and I appreciate the IPC leadership for developing fairness to other countries in the world.
“This was the first time the IPC organised a Local Leadership Course in Cambodia, and I hope it continues because it helps upskill NPC staff.
“My mission now is to make sure Cambodia has a qualified athlete at the LA28 Paralympic Games.”
Song Sokleap, the 250th Local Leader to be trained by the IPC, said: “In my opinion this course brought me more knowledge and gave me an insight into what we need to do more of.
“The first day taught us about athlete pathways in Para sport, whereas day two focused on how we can promote Para sport and engage Para athletes. The final day gave me good insights into athlete pathways planning and strategy. I learnt a lot.”
With 250 Local Leaders now trained, the focus shifts to implementation. Working alongside coaches, officials and National Federations, Local Leaders will deliver on their NPC action plan designed to increase grassroots participation, expand access to Para sport opportunities and strengthen athlete development pathways.
The Local Leaders Course is the first stage of the IPC Development Model, which supports the growth of 50 NPCs through a series of interconnected initiatives. The training provides hands-on tools, practical knowledge, and context-specific strategies that will enable NPCs to advance Para sport and establish a Para athlete pathway within their national context. Once they have finished their training, Local Leaders collaborate with coaches, officials, and National Federations, share insights, and drive innovation.
Alongside Local Leaders, the IPC Development Model includes Para Sport Development Leaders which focus on community level leaders, Para Sport Festivals, Para Sport in Communities and National Development Training Camps, with each stage designed to address the specific needs of participating NPCs and maximise long-term impact.
The programme is already delivering tangible results. In July, following completion of the first two Sport for Mobility leadership courses, NPC Botswana became the first NPC to organise a Para Sport Festival. The event attracted more than 165 participants with disabilities and was supported by around 60 coaches and community leaders. Representatives from the IPC, national and local government, and Toyota Mobility Foundation were also in attendance.
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