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Andrew Parsons | |
|---|---|
 Parsons at a 2024 Paralympic Games media conference in 2024 | |
| 3rd President of theInternational Paralympic Committee | |
| Assumed office 8 September 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Sir Philip Craven |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1977-02-10)10 February 1977 (age 48) |
| Occupation | President of theInternational Paralympic Committee |
Andrew George William Parsons (Brazilian Portuguese:[ˈɐndɾuˈpaʁsõs]; born 10 February 1977) is a Brazilian sports administrator and journalist. He is the current president of theInternational Paralympic Committee (IPC).In 2018, Parsons became a member of theInternational Olympic Committee (IOC).[1]
Parsons was born in Brazil toScottish parents.[2] He served as chairperson of theBrazilian Paralympic Committee from 2009 to 2017, chairperson of theAmericas Paralympic Committee from 2005 to 2009, and as a member of the Nominating Committee for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.[3][4]
He is the current president of theInternational Paralympic Committee since 8 September 2017. Parsons took over from SirPhilip Craven, who had been in office since 2001,[5] after being elected in the first round in the election held during the 18th assembly of the IPC in Abu Dhabi. He was reelected in 2025.[6]
Parsons himself does not have adisability, a fact that, he says, takes some observers by surprise.[7]
While attending theopening ceremony for the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Parsons declared his horror at theRussian invasion of Ukraine and called on world authorities to promote peace.[8] While addressing the spectators and athletes in attendance at Beijing, in China'sBird Nest, Parsons stated that “Tonight, I want, I must begin with a message of peace” and that "As the leader of an organization with inclusion at its core, where diversity is celebrated and differences embraced, I am horrified at what is taking place in the world right now.”[8]
Commander of theOrder of Rio Branco[4]
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (2025)[10]