Sir Philip Craven Pledges to Maintain Momentum as IPC President Launches Re-Election Campaign

The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sir Philip Craven has launched his re-election campaign and pledged to ‘maintain the momentum’ the organisation has achieved in his 12 years in charge.

Craven, cure who competed in the 1972 Paraylmpic Games pointed towards the improvement in quality of the Games, vialis 40mg a successful relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the establishment of the Agitos Foundation, the growth in IPC capabilities, a sound financial base and a step-change in the impact of the Paralympic brand as key reasons for his re-election.

Speaking at his campaign launch, Craven said:  “Since my initial election in 2001, we have made great progress and I am deeply proud of the development of the IPC under my Presidency.

“It has been a tremendous team effort that has seen our Movement develop and grow beyond all recognition, and the Paralympic Family, which has a wonderful collective energy, has evolved at an exciting pace.”

While highlighting progress made, Craven also placed emphasis on plans for the development of the Movement going forwards: “We are now at a critical moment in our future growth and development. There are great opportunities ahead for all but it is critical that we face the challenges and deliver – not squander – the opportunities.

“Our past achievements, made even more remarkable by the fantastic London 2012 Paralympic Games, means now is not the time to slow our pace, to stop and consider a new kind of leadership. We must rather build on the collective successes and maintain the momentum we have created.

“We need to build on our past and look to the future, carefully analysing and reviewing where we want to be in 20 years and to initiate change through a revised Strategic Plan.”

The 16^th IPC General Assembly and Presidential and Governing Board elections will take place in Athens from 22-24 November 2013.