Author: International Paralympic Committee (IPC) (i): Contact: paralympic.org
Published: 2020-07-11
Table of contents and important points:
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Board of Directors is discussing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Paralympic movement, including the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
The board was also informed that due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020, the IPC Athletes’ Council elections have been postponed to August 2021.
The 85th Board meeting marked the first time in the IPC’s 30-year history that it was unable to meet in person.
Main digestion
During four days, held virtually and concluded on Wednesday (July 8), the IPC Board of Directors discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Paralympic movement, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
On Tuesday (July 7th), the Board of Directors approved the positioning, rescheduling principles and roadmap for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games following a video conference presentation by Yukihiko Nunomura, Tokyo 2020 General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.
The Tokyo 2020 Position Document highlighted the Organizing Committee’s commitment to the Paralympics in 2021 to be a global celebration of human endeavor, resilience and hope. With athletes and sports being the focus of the Games, Tokyo 2020 believes the Paralympics will be a spectacular showcase of the sport, where para-athletes entertain the world and advance a more inclusive world.
Following a review by the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and International Federations of classification requirements ahead of Tokyo 2020, Gen Duff, the IPC’s acting classification director, presented the board with a number of strategic proposals based on scenarios related to the COVID-19 pandemic based and likely are sports calendars. Further membership updates will be posted in due course.
The board was also notified that due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020, the IPC Athletes’ Council elections have been postponed to August 2021. As a result, members whose term ended in August 2020 have them extended for an additional 12 months until the next annual election.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said:
“The 85th meeting of the IPC Board of Directors was the first time in the history of the IPC that the members were unable to meet in person. Much of the meeting was affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and not just on the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, but around the world, is dominated by the IPC and a broader Paralympic movement. “
“The Tokyo 2020 presentation was reassuring and gave the board confidence in the action the Organizing Committee is taking to reschedule the Paralympic Games next summer. The pre-games classification will clearly be a challenge for everyone due to the uncertainty in the US . ” Sports calendar, but the IPC management team plans several scenarios and suggests a number of solutions. “
Pandemic and its impact on the IPC
The IPC Board of Directors was briefed by Mike Peters, the Chief Executive Officer of the IPC, about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the IPC, including its finances.
The members of the IPC management team will continue to work remotely until at least August 1, 2020. As of July 1, 2020, 19 employees have taken vacation as their daily workload has decreased.
Following the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the IPC Board of Directors approved an updated and balanced budget for 2020. This included savings of EUR 1.7 million made by the operational departments. Framework budgets for 2021 and 2022 were also presented, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the IPC’s finances in the coming years.
IWBF
The board was informed about the progress of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) in the implementation of proficiency tests for all players in sports classes 4.0 and 4.5 before the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Such ratings are part of an IPC-approved action plan that the IWBF is following after it is determined to be inconsistent with the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code.
IPC Athlete Council
Chelsey Gotell, Chair of the IPC Athlete Council, gave a comprehensive overview of the group’s activities and highlighted key progress made in the implementation of its strategic plan. This included improved two-way communication between the IPC and athlete representatives and the development of an athlete leadership program.
The board was informed that Elvira Stinissen, the deputy chairwoman of the athletes’ council, had resigned for personal reasons and that a successor would be appointed in due course. The board thanked Stinissen, who had been on the council since 2012.
Gotell also stated the Athletes Council’s intention to host a series of focus groups in the coming months where athletes will have the opportunity to come up with thoughts and solutions on how to share their views on topics of interest during the Paralympic Games.
Review of corporate governance
On the last day of the meeting, IPC Vice President Duane Kale presented important results and feedback from IPC members on the reform proposal “Remaining Fit for Purpose” of the IPC Governance Review, which was first published in October 2019.
Following feedback from IPC members and further consultations with the Board of Directors, the IPC will publish an updated Governance Review Proposal later this year, highlighting any updates. This will be followed by another round of consultation with IPC membership.
Some elements of the IPC governance review will be put to a vote at the 2021 IPC General Assembly, while matters related to the composition and membership of the Board of Directors will be traced back to the 2022 IPC General Assembly due to the 2021 election year.
As part of the IPC Governance Review, the IPC Board of Directors also approved a proposed framework for negotiations with the World Dance Sport Federation on the transfer of governance of World Para Dance Sport.
The 85th Board meeting marked the first time in the IPC’s 30-year history that it was unable to meet in person. After the meeting, Parsons will hold a series of calls with IPC members and athlete representatives in the coming days to inform them of the key results of the meeting.
(i) Source / Reference: International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Disabled World makes no guarantees or warranties in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length.
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Journal: Disabled World. Language: English. Author: International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Electronic publication date: 2020-07-11. Last revised date: 2020-07-11. Reference Title: “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020”, Source: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020. Summary: The Board of Directors of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is discussing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on the Paralympic Movement, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.Retrieved on December 20, 2018 from https://www.disabled-world.com/sports/paralympics/2020/covid-19-impact.php – Reference category number: DW # 495-13860.
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