International Paralympic Committee

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. Founded as a non-profit organisation on 22 September 1989 and headquartered in Bonn, Germany, it serves and supports its member organisations, develops Para sport and advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide. Its work spans international sport governance, non-governmental organisation management and disability rights advocacy - fields in which legal, regulatory and governance expertise is central.

The IPC's membership comprises 211 organisations as of 1 January 2026: 185 National Paralympic Committees, 18 International Federations, 5 Regional Organisations and 3 International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled. Together they represent a global constituency that includes 1.2 billion persons with disabilities. The committee oversees delivery of the Paralympic Games, which have grown from 400 athletes representing 23 countries at Rome 1960 to become, by the IPC's account, the world's second biggest sporting event.

The organisation describes its mission as "Change Starts with Sport", with a vision of creating an inclusive world through Para sport. Its stated focus is transformational societal impact, pursued through both the development of Para sport and advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities.