The leadership training programme, IPC Para Athlete Professionals, aims to equip retiring athletes with the tools, knowledge, and platforms they need to be confident, capable leaders. By drawing on their lived experiences and unique perspectives, the training programme aims to prepare athletes to contribute to the Paralympic Movement and beyond. Offered annually from 2025 to 2028 under the IPC\u2019s Sport for Mobility programme, the training programme will be delivered through a blend of in-person and online learning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the 2025 cycle, over 80 applications were received, out of which 20 Paralympians were selected from 18 countries, including 13 women, from across Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Additionally, the cohort includes elite athletes from 13 different sports, reflecting the diversity of the Paralympic Movement. The six-month programme is expected to conclude in May 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) informed in a release on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first phase of the training, which was conducted over five days at the IPC Campus, focused on key areas such as career transition, governance, pathways to influence, leadership development, and communication and advocacy. Participants also benefited from two exclusive sessions, one delivered by IPC President Andrew Parsons, and the other by IPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Mike Peters PLY.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
IPC CEO Dr Mike Peters PLY, a two-time Paralympian, said: \u201cI am so excited that through our Sport for Mobility programme we can offer these 20 exceptional Paralympians the tools they need to advance their careers off the field of play. We recognise that their journey does not end when competition does, and that these athletes have an equally important role to play as leaders shaping the future. I cannot wait to see how the 2025 cohort uses this opportunity to drive change and excel in their careers.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jason Dunkerley, Canadian Para athlete and participant of the programme, commented: \u201cI think it is important that the IPC is offering a programme like this because the transition to life after sport is very difficult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMany of us feel lost or we are not sure what's next, and it's very empowering to realise that there are opportunities and we're not alone in this journey as athletes. There are really good things that lie ahead, and we have a lot to offer, a lot to contribute.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 2025 batch includes Paralympians from a diverse range of sporting expertise and successes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They include Adeline Dumapong Ancheta (Philippines) \u2013 Para powerlifting; Anchaya Ketkeaw (Thailand) \u2013 Para swimming; Brenda Sardon (Argentina) \u2013 Para rowing and Para canoe; Daniel Giraldo Correa (Colombia) \u2013 Para swimming; Danielle Liza-Jean Ellis (Canada) \u2013 Sitting volleyball; Emile Cadet Vuningabo (Rwanda) \u2013 Sitting volleyball; Hanah Ngendo Mwangi (Kenya) \u2013 Para athletics; Jason Joseph Dunkerley (Canada) \u2013 Para athletics; Jiachao Wang (China) \u2013 Para swimming and Para triathlon; Kelly Gallagher (Great Britain) \u2013 Para alpine skiing; Kerrie Louise Leonard (Ireland) \u2013 Para archery; Mar\u00eda Francisca Mardones Sepulveda (Chile) \u2013 Para athletics; Maximillian Tan Chern (Singapore) \u2013 Para equestrian; Natalie Claire Alexander (Australia) \u2013 Wheelchair basketball; Nicholas Alexander Cummins (Great Britain) \u2013 Wheelchair rugby; Nour Mohammed Al Sana (Saudi Arabia) \u2013 Para athletics; Petra L\u00e9vay (Hungary) \u2013 Para triathlon; Ritah Asiimwe (Uganda) \u2013 Para badminton; Shanntol Annette Ince (Trinidad and Tobago) \u2013 Para swimming and Vianney Marlen Trejo Delgadillo (Mexico) \u2013 Para swimming.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 2025 batch includes Paralympians from a diverse range of sporting expertise and successes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Being equipped with the knowledge and skills that I am learning here will enable me to contribute more to my National Paralympic Committee.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n