SOPC Concludes Participation in IPC Membership Gathering

The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) concluded its participation in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Membership Gathering 2026, held in Berlin from November 7 to 9, with a delegation led by CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz Baeshen. The gathering, staged under the theme “Coming Together: A Call to Action,” convened national Paralympic committees, international federations, regional organizations, and Paralympic leaders from around the world to chart the movement’s future, including the IPC Strategic Plan 2027–2030. The Saudi delegation included Advisor for Paralympic Affairs Fahad AlQabba and Paralympic equestrian Ahmed Al-Sharbatly, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to elevating Para sport at home and abroad.

What does it take for a national committee to move from participant to influential partner on the global Paralympic stage? For Saudi Arabia, the answer lies in sustained engagement, strategic alignment, and a clear vision for inclusive sport. The Berlin gathering provided a platform for the SOPC to contribute to discussions on governance, funding, classification, leadership development, and expanding access to sports for persons with disabilities. It also allowed the Kingdom to review preparations for upcoming Paralympic Games and explore ways to strengthen international cooperation. The participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the global sporting agenda and its determination to apply international best practices to develop Para sport domestically.

Context and Background

How did Saudi Arabia emerge as a proactive force in the Paralympic movement? The Kingdom’s engagement with the IPC has deepened over the past decade, driven by a national commitment to inclusivity and the ambitions of Vision 2030. The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, under the leadership of CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz Baeshen, has prioritized international collaboration as a means to accelerate the development of Para sport. By attending the IPC Membership Gathering, the SOPC joins a global network of national committees and federations dedicated to ensuring that athletes with disabilities have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels.

The IPC Membership Gathering is a biennial event that brings together the movement’s key stakeholders to discuss strategic priorities, share best practices, and align on governance standards. The 2026 edition in Berlin focused on the IPC Strategic Plan 2027–2030, which sets out a roadmap for increasing participation, enhancing classification systems, and securing sustainable funding. For Saudi Arabia, participation in these discussions is not merely symbolic; it is a practical step toward integrating international standards into its own Para sport ecosystem. The Kingdom’s delegation included Fahad AlQabba, Advisor for Paralympic Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Sharbatly, a Paralympic equestrian whose presence highlighted the importance of athlete representation in decision-making forums.

Key Details and Outcomes

What specific issues were on the table in Berlin, and how did the SOPC contribute? The gathering’s sessions and workshops addressed a range of critical topics, from governance and funding to classification and leadership development. Participants examined ways to expand access to sports for persons with disabilities, with a focus on grassroots initiatives and pathways to elite competition. The SOPC delegation actively engaged in these discussions, sharing insights from Saudi Arabia’s experience and learning from other nations’ approaches. The Kingdom’s representatives also reviewed preparations for upcoming Paralympic Games, including the 2028 Los Angeles Games and the 2032 Brisbane Games, ensuring that Saudi athletes are well-positioned to qualify and compete.

Governance was a central theme, with the IPC emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and robust organizational structures. The SOPC’s own governance reforms, aligned with Vision 2030’s emphasis on institutional excellence, provided a useful reference point. Funding models were also debated, as national committees seek innovative ways to support athlete development, training facilities, and competition opportunities. Classification—the system that ensures fair competition by grouping athletes according to their impairments—was another key area, with updates to the IPC’s classification code discussed. Leadership development programs aimed at empowering administrators and coaches were highlighted, and the SOPC’s commitment to capacity-building was evident in its participation.

The gathering also served as a networking platform, allowing the SOPC to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones. Meetings with counterparts from other national committees and international federations opened doors for collaborative initiatives, such as joint training camps, knowledge exchange, and athlete scholarships. The presence of Ahmed Al-Sharbatly, a Paralympic equestrian, underscored the importance of athlete voices in shaping policies that directly affect them. His participation reflected the SOPC’s belief that athletes should be at the heart of decision-making processes.

International and Regional Impact

How does Saudi Arabia’s engagement in Berlin resonate beyond its borders? The Kingdom’s active participation in the IPC Membership Gathering signals its commitment to being a constructive and reliable partner in the global Paralympic movement. By aligning with the IPC Strategic Plan 2027–2030, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a nation that not only hosts major sporting events but also contributes to the intellectual and strategic foundations of international sport. This engagement enhances the Kingdom’s soft power and reinforces its reputation as a responsible global actor.

Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Para sport can inspire neighboring countries to invest in inclusivity and athlete development. The SOPC’s efforts to apply international best practices serve as a model for the Gulf and the broader Middle East, where Para sport is still emerging. By sharing its experiences and collaborating with other national committees, the Kingdom contributes to raising standards across the region. Moreover, the participation of a Saudi Paralympic equestrian in the delegation highlights the potential for athletes from the region to excel on the world stage, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive image of the Middle East.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic and strategic benefits flow from Saudi Arabia’s investment in Para sport? The development of Para sport is closely tied to Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life, promoting social inclusion, and diversifying the economy. By supporting athletes with disabilities, the Kingdom taps into a pool of talent that might otherwise be overlooked, contributing to a more productive and engaged society. The sports sector itself is a growing economic driver, creating jobs in coaching, sports medicine, event management, and related fields. The SOPC’s international engagement helps attract expertise and investment, further strengthening the sector.

Strategically, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the IPC and other international sports bodies enhances its diplomatic reach. Sport is a universal language that fosters people-to-people ties and builds goodwill. The Kingdom’s presence at the Berlin gathering, led by a senior official like Abdulaziz Baeshen, demonstrates that Saudi Arabia is serious about contributing to global conversations on governance, funding, and inclusion. This aligns with Vision 2030’s aim to position the Kingdom as a hub for international events and a leader in humanitarian and social causes. The partnerships formed at such gatherings can lead to concrete collaborations, from hosting international competitions to joint research on sports science.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the SOPC’s participation in the IPC Membership Gathering advance Vision 2030? The Kingdom’s ambitious reform agenda places a premium on inclusivity, youth empowerment, and a vibrant society. By investing in Para sport, Saudi Arabia ensures that persons with disabilities are fully included in the nation’s social and economic fabric. The SOPC’s work aligns with the Quality of Life Program, one of Vision 2030’s key initiatives, which seeks to increase sports participation and improve the well-being of all citizens. The international exposure gained in Berlin helps the SOPC adopt global standards, which in turn elevates the quality of programs offered to Saudi athletes.

Furthermore, the Kingdom’s active role in the IPC supports Vision 2030’s goal of strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global standing. By contributing to the IPC Strategic Plan 2027–2030, the SOPC helps shape the future of the Paralympic movement, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of the Kingdom and the region are considered. This is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international sports governance. As the Kingdom continues to host major events and develop world-class facilities, its Para athletes are poised to achieve greater success, inspiring a new generation and showcasing the nation’s progress on the world stage.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the IPC Membership Gathering?

A1. The IPC Membership Gathering is a biennial event that brings together national Paralympic committees, international federations, and regional organizations to discuss the future of the Paralympic movement, share best practices, and align on strategic priorities.

Q2. Where and when did the 2026 gathering take place?

A2. The 2026 IPC Membership Gathering was held in Berlin, Germany, from November 7 to 9, under the theme “Coming Together: A Call to Action.”

Q3. Who led the Saudi delegation to the gathering?

A3. The Saudi delegation was led by Abdulaziz Baeshen, CEO and Secretary-General of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).

Q4. Which other Saudi officials and athletes attended?

A4. The delegation included Fahad AlQabba, Advisor for Paralympic Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Sharbatly, a Paralympic equestrian, highlighting athlete representation.

Q5. What was the main theme of the gathering?

A5. The theme was “Coming Together: A Call to Action,” emphasizing unity and collective efforts to advance the Paralympic movement globally.

Q6. What key document was discussed at the gathering?

A6. The IPC Strategic Plan 2027–2030 was a central focus, outlining goals for participation, governance, and sustainability in Para sport.

Q7. What topics were covered in the sessions and workshops?

A7. Sessions addressed governance, funding, classification, leadership development, and expanding access to sports for persons with disabilities.

Q8. How does SOPC’s participation benefit Saudi Arabia?

A8. It strengthens Saudi Arabia’s international sporting presence, expands partnerships, and allows the Kingdom to apply international best practices to develop Para sport domestically.

Q9. What is the significance of Ahmed Al-Sharbatly’s attendance?

A9. His presence underscores the importance of athlete voices in shaping policies and promotes the image of Saudi Para athletes on the global stage.

Q10. How does this gathering relate to the Paralympic Games?

A10. Participants reviewed preparations for upcoming Paralympic Games, including Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032, ensuring athletes are ready to compete.

Q11. What is the IPC Strategic Plan 2027–2030?

A11. It is a roadmap that sets out the International Paralympic Committee’s priorities for the next quadrennial, focusing on growth, inclusion, and good governance.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation align with Vision 2030?

A12. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of inclusivity, youth empowerment, and a vibrant society by promoting Para sport and international engagement.

Q13. What are the economic benefits of developing Para sport?

A13. It creates jobs in coaching, sports medicine, and event management, and taps into a broader talent pool, contributing to economic diversification.

Q14. How does this engagement enhance Saudi Arabia’s soft power?

A14. By contributing to global sports governance and promoting inclusivity, Saudi Arabia builds goodwill and reinforces its reputation as a responsible global actor.

Q15. What partnerships can emerge from the gathering?

A15. The SOPC can forge collaborations on joint training camps, knowledge exchange, and athlete scholarships with other national committees and federations.

Q16. What is the role of national Paralympic committees?

A16. They are responsible for developing Para sport in their countries, selecting teams for international competitions, and promoting inclusivity in sports.

Q17. How does classification ensure fair competition?

A17. Classification groups athletes by impairment to ensure that competition is fair and that athletes compete on a level playing field.

Q18. What leadership development opportunities were discussed?

A18. Programs aimed at empowering administrators, coaches, and officials to lead Para sport organizations effectively and sustainably.

Q19. How can Saudi Arabia inspire the region in Para sport?

A19. By leading by example, sharing best practices, and demonstrating that athletes with disabilities can achieve at the highest levels, Saudi Arabia can motivate neighboring countries.

Q20. What is the next step for SOPC after the gathering?

A20. The SOPC will apply the insights gained to its domestic programs, continue building partnerships, and prepare Saudi Para athletes for upcoming international competitions.