Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), has lauded a decision by the general assembly of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to approve a new constitution that he believes will revolutionise the governance and structure of the global body.

Of 128 delegates present, 123 voted in favour of the new constitution following a robust review during a recent virtual assembly.

Among the key facets of the revised constitution is the establishment of an independent Nominations Panel to assess membership applications and nominations for positions for several IPC bodies, the inclusion of the First Vice-Chair of the IPC Athletes’ Council as an executive board member (joining the council’s chairperson) in deepening athlete representation and advocacy, the implementation of additional obligations on National Paralympic Committees to protect them from political interference, and the requirement – as a condition of membership – of having formalised mechanisms in decision-making structures that engage and give a voice to athletes.

In addition, the IPC will now no longer represent alpine skiing, athletics, biathlon, cross country skiing, dancesport, ice hockey, powerlifting, shooting, snowboarding and swimming all of which will be independently governed by the end of 2026.

The decision was taken so as to eliminate perceptions of conflict of interest and disparity in the treatment of resources.

These introductions along with the refinement of the number, nature, composition and role of the various committees and working groups in aligning their functions with IPC’s strategic priorities will, Samuda said, “Decentralise and make more inclusive decision-making without renouncing the authority of the executive board, enhance IPC’s capacity and ability to be far more responsive to the needs of its members and give greater accountability, neutrality and transparency to leadership at all levels and the electoral system.”

The general assembly also unanimously approved the membership of the Americas Paralympic Committee, of which Samuda is an executive board member.

“I am personally pleased that the Americas Paralympic Committee was unanimously approved by the assembly. The Executive Board of the Americas Paralympic Committee is charting its independence but as members, we continue to place high premium on solid bi-lateral and multilateral partnerships in para-sports and though regional in outlook we understand the importance of cross-border cooperation in the business and globalisation of sport,” Samuda said.

Andrew Parsons, a former president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, was re-elected as IPC president for a second consecutive term. He stood unopposed and received 156 ‘yes’ votes (98 per cent) of the 159 valid votes.

The Jamaica Paralympic Association has been a longstanding member of the governing global body, the International Paralympic Committee, and the regional apex body, the Americas Paralympic Committee.