Virtus Engages in Strategic Discussions at IPC’s International Federation Open Days

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Virtus was pleased to attend the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) International Federation Open Days, held from 12 to 16 May 2025 at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, Germany. The event brought together 24 International Federations, International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs), and Recognised International Federations (RIFs) to strengthen collaboration and dialogue within the Paralympic Movement.

Representing Virtus, Sport and Competition Manager John Pearce participated in a series of meetings with IPC leadership and technical experts across various key areas.

“This was an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with the IPC and other federations — not only to understand the evolving operational structure of the IPC, but also to build partnerships that will support the development of more robust pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment,” said Pearce.

With more than 50 delegates from global sporting organisations, the event enabled over 125 tailored meetings with IPC staff, including Chief Executive Officer Mike Peters and subject matter leads from Paralympic Games, Sport, Classification, Membership, Anti-doping, Communications, and Media Rights. Discussions focused on current challenges, strategic opportunities, and best practice sharing to enhance the collective impact of the Paralympic Movement.

Mike Peters PLY, IPC CEO, said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome so many of our sporting bodies to our new Campus this week. The IPC exists to serve its members and the IF Open Days act as a tremendous platform to exchange insights and advance discussions with members that will further our collective organisational strengths and capabilities.”

Participants also toured the newly inaugurated IPC Campus, recognised as one of the most accessible office spaces in Germany — a symbol of the IPC’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

Within the Paralympic Movement, there are 17 International Federations who serve as the sole worldwide representative of a specific Para sport on the Paralympic Games Sport Programme and three International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSD) who represent specific disability groups. Virtus is one of the recognised IOSD and one of the founding members of the IPC.

Virtus values its continued engagement with the IPC and fellow international federations as we work together to advance competitive and inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments on the global stage.