In a historic moment for the international Paralympic movement, Vladyslava Kravchenko, the distinguished Maltese Paralympian and Para swimmer has been elected as the new Chairperson of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete’s Council. The election took place during a pivotal meeting at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, Germany, marking the beginning of a fresh era for Para athletes globally.
Kravchenko, who has represented Malta at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, assumes the role of Chairperson, taking over from Jitske Visser, who has served from November 2021 to November 2024. With a four-year term that will run through to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Kravchenko is poised to lead with passion, vision, and a deep commitment to the values of the Paralympic Movement. As Chairperson, she will also join the IPC Governing Board as an ex officio member with voting rights, enabling her to have a direct impact on the governance of the Paralympic Movement.
The IPC Athletes’ Council serves as the collective voice of Para athletes within the larger IPC community, offering advice and input to the IPC Governing Board. It is a platform through which the concerns and needs of athletes across the globe are brought to the forefront, ensuring that their voices guide the evolution of Para sports.
In her acceptance statement, Kravchenko expressed her dedication to championing the voices of Para athletes from regions where the sport is still developing, particularly in smaller countries, conflict-affected areas, and places where National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) are newly established. “My primary objective is to be a strong representative for Para athletes from countries where Para sport is currently underdeveloped,” Kravchenko said. “These regions often face significant challenges such as limited infrastructure, lack of funding, and insufficient support systems to nurture future Paralympians. I look forward to serving the Paralympic Movement in my new role and supporting the IPC’s strategic objective of driving impact through Para sport globally.”
Kravchenko’s leadership vision extends beyond her personal achievements as an athlete. Her experiences competing on the world stage have given her an invaluable understanding of the challenges that Para athletes face—especially in regions with limited access to the resources required to succeed. She is determined to bring greater attention and action to those underrepresented in the global Paralympic community.
The election of Kravchenko was met with strong support from the IPC leadership. IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed his confidence in her ability to lead the Athletes’ Council and further the IPC’s athlete-centered mission. “I am confident that with you at the helm, the Council will continue to progress the mandate of athletes in a meaningful way,” Parsons stated. “The IPC Governing Board welcomes your input to ensure that we remain an athlete-centred organisation.”
Vladyslava Kravchenko’s election as Chairperson is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the broader Paralympic Movement. It is a testament to her dedication, experience, and unyielding passion for the progress of Para sport. As she takes on her new role, Kravchenko’s focus on driving impact and creating sustainable growth for Para athletes around the world promises to shape the future of the Paralympic Games for years to come.
