International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons Meets Georgian Leaders in Tbilisi

“Fue un privilegio estar en Tiflis, reunirme con el Comité Paralímpico Georgiano y celebrar el aniversario de uno de los miembros fundadores del IPC,” said International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons during a high-profile visit to the Georgian capital last week.

The visit brought top international Paralympic officials to Tbilisi for a series of high-level meetings with Georgian political leaders, alongside participation in the 45th-anniversary celebrations of the International Blind Sports Federation and the 2026 IBSA Para Judo World Championships.

High-Level Government Meetings Address State Support and Disability Rights

During his time in Tbilisi, Parsons held discussions with key figures in the Georgian government regarding the expansion of the Paralympic movement, state backing for athletes, and the protection of disability rights. The IPC president was received officially by Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and met separately with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Sports Minister Shalva Gogoladze.

Discussions also extended to local government operations through a scheduled meeting with the chairman of the Tbilisi Municipal Council and council members. The talks focused on the development of the Paralympic Movement in Georgia, state support for Paralympic athletes, the rights of people with disabilities and future cooperation with the IPC.

“Como nación Paralímpica, Georgia está avanzando favorablemente, y era importante reunirme con los dirigentes políticos para plantear medidas que permitan seguir apoyando al Comité Paralímpico Nacional y a los Para atletas del país,” Parsons noted during the visit.

International Blind Sports Federation Marks 45 Years in Tbilisi

The visit coincided with milestone anniversary events for the International Blind Sports Federation, which was founded in 1981 following a constituent congress at UNESCO headquarters in Paris with 30 participating nations. Today, the organization governs goalball, blind football, and Para judo, maintaining a membership base exceeding 100 members across all global regions.

Ahead of the official celebrations, IPC President Parsons and IPC Vice President John Petersson participated in an open meeting of the IBSA Executive Committee. At the request of IBSA leadership, Petersson opened and chaired the session, which drew representatives from national member federations, sport committees, the IBSA Athletes’ Council, National Paralympic Committees, international sports bodies, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and sports equipment manufacturers.

Reflecting on the organization’s trajectory, IBSA President Ilgar Rahimov remarked that four decades and a half of history provide ample reason for institutional pride, but cautioned that history does not grant license to remain static. The central question for the milestone, Rahimov stated, is what form of the organization will be handed down to future generations.

IPC Receives Award at IBSA Anniversary Events

The anniversary events included a gala dinner and an awards ceremony under the IBSA 45 Recognition Program. The IPC received a special award honoring its longstanding partnership with the federation, while individual recognition awards were presented to both Parsons and Petersson.

Following the anniversary gatherings, the IPC leadership attended competition days at the 2026 IBSA Para Judo World Championships. Parsons commended the competitive standard on display throughout both individual and team medal rounds.

“El 45º aniversario de la IBSA, celebrado en la víspera del Campeonato Mundial de Para Judo de la IBSA, fue una ocasión especial para celebrar los avances logrados hasta ahora por la organización, pero también para conocer hacia dónde quiere avanzar la IBSA en el futuro,” Parsons said. “En el Campeonato Mundial, me alegró poder presenciar competencias de alto nivel tanto en las finales individuales como por equipos.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tbilisi Meetings

Which Georgian officials met with the IPC president?
Andrew Parsons held discussions with Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Sports Minister Shalva Gogoladze, and members of the Tbilisi Municipal Council.

When was the International Blind Sports Federation founded?
The organization was established in 1981, holding its inaugural congress at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, with representatives from 30 countries.

What sports does the IBSA govern internationally?
The federation serves as the worldwide governing body for three specific Paralympic sports: goalball, Para judo, and blind football.