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Paralympics Australia has joined the global disability sport community in mourning the passing of World Abilitysport Chief Executive Officer Charmaine Hooper.
Hooper was a tireless advocate for Para sport, whose impact was felt across continents, sports and generations of athletes. Her lifelong commitment to expanding opportunities for people with disability, strengthening international pathways and uniting the global Para sport system has left an enduring legacy.
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Cameron Murray said Hooper’s contribution to the Paralympic Movement was outstanding.
“Charmaine Hooper was one of the true driving forces of global Para sport. Her leadership, vision and determination helped shape opportunities for countless athletes around the world,” Murray said.
“She combined an extraordinary work ethic with warmth, humour and genuine care for people. Charmaine’s influence will be felt for many years to come, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with her.”
Paralympics Australia extends its deepest condolences to Charmaine’s husband, family, friends, and her colleagues at World Abilitysport, as well as to the many athletes and organisations whose lives she touched through her work.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Charmaine was a fearless and highly effective female sports leader who balanced an immense sense of purpose with a fantastic sense of humour. There are many within the Paralympic Movement who owe their careers to Charmaine’s work. We all owe her a debt of gratitude, and she will be greatly missed by all.”
World Abilitysport President, Rudi Van Den Abbeele, said: “Charmaine devoted her whole career, and boundless energy, to being a strong advocate of Para athletes worldwide. From her early work in South Africa, she understood profoundly the transformative power of Para sport and carried that passion into everything she did across her career.”
People can share their condolences and memories of Charmaine in an online condolences book.
By PA and IPC Media.
Published 12 February, 2026.
