As reported by paralympic.org, an International Paralympic Committee Membership Gathering brought together upwards of 250 figures representing the Paralympic Movement in Berlin, Germany, from 7-9 November.
Held under the theme “Coming Together: A Call to Action,” the three-day forum focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and shaping the future of Para sport. National Paralympic Committees, International Federations, and regional organizations met to discuss upcoming strategic goals and address challenges facing the international sporting community.
World ParaVolley joined the wider Paralympic leadership in the German capital, represented by President Jürgen Schrapp and Vice President Elvira Stinissen. Additional community members also participated in various capacities throughout the multi-day event. Acting on behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, World ParaVolley Athlete Representative Heidi Peters was in attendance, while Ehab Hassanein, the ParaVolley Africa President, took part as a representative for the Egyptian Paralympic Committee.
The gathering opened with remarks from IPC President Andrew Parsons and a welcome message from Germany’s State Minister for Sports and Volunteering Ronald Rauhe, who highlighted his country’s commitment to disability inclusion. The first day featured administrative updates on the state of the movement and preparations for upcoming Paralympic Games, according to paralympic.org.
“The strength of the Paralympic Movement has always been our ability to unite behind a shared purpose,” IPC President Andrew Parsons stated, as reported by paralympic.org.
Parsons added that member insights will help expand opportunities for persons with disabilities and increase collective global impact during the development of the 2027-2030 strategic cycle.
A central focus of the second day was the 2027-2030 IPC Strategic Plan. Attendees reviewed emerging goals, provided feedback on benchmarks for success, and received updates regarding the ongoing transfer of governance of World Para Sports.
Kristina Molloy, IPC Interim Chief Executive Officer, noted the value of in-person collaboration. “So many of our members across the Paralympic Movement are undertaking outstanding and game-changing work and the opportunity to meet in-person provided a platform for them to share knowledge and their diverse perspectives,” Molloy said, according to paralympic.org.
For World ParaVolley, the forum provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional relationships, reconnect with existing member countries, and hold discussions with potential new members and fellow International Federations. IPC President Andrew Parsons also highlighted his recent visit to the 2026 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championships in Hangzhou during the discussions.
The third day opened with sessions on classification and the implementation of the 2025 IPC Classification Code. Plenary meetings and breakout groups explored fundraising, leadership development, and innovative models of member cooperation.
Practical workshops offered guidance on accessing Sport for Mobility grant funding and building sustainable development programs. Of the 158 members physically present in Berlin, 44 participated through the IPC Solidarity Programme, which is co-funded by the German Federal Chancellery and the IPC to support less-resourced national committees.
| Event Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dates | 7–9 November |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Total Attendees | 250+ leaders |
| Physical Members Present | 158 members |
| Solidarity Programme Participants | 44 members |
With the Berlin gathering concluded, insights gathered from the sessions will feed directly into the final drafting of the 2027-2030 IPC Strategic Plan. World ParaVolley announced it looks forward to building on the relationships and opportunities established during the three productive days in Germany.
