THE ATHLETES' COUNCIL MISSION: 'AT THE HEART'

In March 2019, the IPC Athletes' Council published its first strategy to act as a guide to both athletes and the IPC membership as to how the IPC Athletes’ Council can build athlete leaders and ensure the Paralympic Movement is athlete-centred.

IPC Athletes' Council Strategy - "At the heart"

IPC Athletes' Council Strategy - "At the heart" (French)

IPC Athletes' Council Strategy - "At the heart" (Spanish)

The IPC Athletes’ Council have committed to four priorities between 2019 and 2022. These priorities cover our role with athletes and our role within the Paralympic Movement.

BUILDING ATHLETE LEADERS

Develop mechanisms to build athlete leaders, effective athlete representation models and improved athlete networks.

To be successful in being a voice that represents all international Para athletes, we must create a strong foundation so that athlete representatives have the right support, tools and resources to become effective athlete leaders.  We must also create athlete representation models that meet the needs of Para athletes. This foundation must have a clear and effective path for communication (within and across sports) that ensures information is easily shared both with our athlete community but also from our community back to the IPC Athletes’ Council.

SUPPORTING ATHLETES’ CAREERS

Equip Para athletes with the tools and resources required to inform and educate them and provide them with opportunities that will help expand their knowledge beyond the field of play.

We want all Para athletes to have access to resources and support that will encourage them to thrive both on and off the field of play, throughout their sporting careers and life transitions. This includes advocating for the development of extended pathways for Para athletes to thrive in their life transition beyond sport.

GUIDING THE PROGRESSION OF THE PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT

Develop resources that support the IPC membership in creating governance structures that include athlete representatives and promote the benefits of having athlete representation formally included in the Membership Constitutions.

By positively influencing the development of appropriate governance structures within the IPC Membership and wider Paralympic Movement we will provide a strong foundation to make certain that the athletes’ voice is recognised and valued. We will work with the IPC and IPC Membership to offer tools and mechanisms that ensure the athletes’ voice is heard and that organisational decisions are athlete-centred.

ENHANCING THE UNIQUE SPORTING ENVIRONMENT OF PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

Recognise diverse athlete impairments, advocating for their unique needs that enable them to perform at their best. Para athletes have unique needs that must be championed, both on and off the field of play. As the primary advocate of athletes’ needs, the IPC Athletes’ Council is committed to ensuring that our athletes’ priorities and best interests are incorporated into shaping the future of the Paralympic Movement.