18 November 2009 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Today, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board (GB) concluded its 54th official meeting, which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the occasion of the upcoming IPC Conference and General Assembly.

During two days of meetings, the IPC GB focused on the upcoming General Assembly, approved the Paralympic Medal Events programme for the London 2012 Paralympic Games as well as the Sochi 2014 Sports programme (Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Sledge Hockey, Wheelchair Curling). It was decided to not include Standing Ice Hockey on the Sochi 2014 Sports programme as the number of countries widely and regularly practicing the sport does currently not meet the minimum requirement of eight countries from two regions.

The Board also discussed and approved the International Federations that intend to apply for inclusion of a sport/discipline on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Sports Programme (Badminton, Canoe, Golf, Handball, Basketball ID, Futsal ID, Powerchair Football, Taekwondo, Triathlon).

Said IPC President Sir Philip Craven after the meeting: “This last meeting with the current Governing Board was as fruitful and productive as all the other meetings we had so far. I want to thank my fellow Governing Board members for their dedication and commitment throughout the years. I am confident that the new Board will take on the upcoming challenges in the best interest of all Paralympic athletes.”

The GB also discussed several other issues, including a report on the progress of the preparations for the Paralympic Games in Vancouver, London and Sochi. Furthermore, the Board received updates on the work of various IPC Standing Committees and Councils as well as addressed several membership issues.

The next Governing Board meeting of the newly elected Board will take place in Whistler, Canada, just before the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.