IPC Trains 250th Local Leader in Cambodia for Para Sport Growth

On October 6, 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) celebrated a significant achievement by training its 250th Local Leader in Cambodia as part of its Sport for Mobility programme, funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation. Song Sokleap from the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Cambodia became the milestone participant during a comprehensive training course held in the country. This initiative, which began in December 2025, originally aimed to train 200 individuals across 50 countries. However, due to its success, this target has been exceeded, with over 250 leaders now equipped to promote Para sport within their nations. The program is designed to provide participants with practical tools, knowledge, and strategies to enhance the development of Para sport effectively.

The Local Leaders training course consists of an introductory online session followed by three days of in-person workshops. These workshops include real-world case studies and hands-on strategic planning exercises. Participants learn about stakeholder networking, building partnerships, and creating actionable plans to increase grassroots participation in Para sport. Each trainee contributes to a two-year action plan focused on establishing sustainable pathways for athletes. Ongoing mentoring and support are integral to ensuring the successful implementation of these plans. Kristina Molloy, the IPC's interim CEO, emphasized the program's importance, stating that the development of Para sport fundamentally relies on collaboration with NPCs to empower Local Leaders.

The Local Leaders initiative has seen notable participation since its inception. The first training took place with NPC Madagascar, where four individuals were trained. The course in Cambodia welcomed eight participants, marking a significant milestone for the region. Yi Veasna, Secretary General of the NPC of Cambodia, expressed gratitude for the IPC's initiative, noting its potential to uplift NPC staff and prepare qualified athletes for future events, including the LA28 Paralympic Games. Participants like Song Sokleap shared their positive experiences, highlighting the course's impact on their understanding of athlete pathways and promotional strategies for Para sport.

With 250 Local Leaders now trained, the IPC focuses on the practical implementation of their action plans. These leaders will collaborate with coaches, officials, and National Federations to drive grassroots participation and enhance access to Para sport opportunities. The training is a crucial first step in the IPC Development Model, which supports the growth of 50 NPCs through various interconnected initiatives. The Local Leaders will share insights and innovations with their respective organizations to foster a thriving Para sport ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the IPC aims to continue expanding its Local Leaders initiative, ensuring that the momentum gained translates into lasting change within the Para sport community. This program is expected to yield significant results, as evidenced by NPC Botswana's recent success in organizing a Para Sport Festival that attracted over 165 participants with disabilities. The IPC Development Model, which includes various components such as community-level leaders and National Development Training Camps, is designed to maximize long-term impact and address the unique needs of participating NPCs.