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Paralympics Australia (PA) is proud to endorse one of the nation’s most celebrated Paralympians, Kurt Fearnley AO PLY, for election as Vice-President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The decorated wheelchair racer and prominent advocate is one of seven candidates for two Vice-President roles to be elected at the IPC General Assembly in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on 27 September.
Fearnley, a five-time Paralympian and winner of 13 medals including three gold, has devoted his life to advancing the Paralympic Movement both on and off the track. His leadership spans global sport governance, disability advocacy and major event delivery, including his current roles as Chair of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Agency and Board Member of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
As a past member of the Australian Sport Commission and Paralympics Australia Boards, as well as the IPC Athlete Council, the 44-year-old said he is ready to make a meaningful, long-lasting impact as part of the IPC’s Governing Board.
“The Paralympic Movement transformed my life, and I am driven to help it continue to transform lives across the world,” Fearnley said.
“If elected, my commitment is to champion future generations of Paralympians, to work collaboratively with all IPC members, and to ensure our Movement grows with ambition and purpose as we move towards Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032. The Paralympic Movement should not simply reflect change but lead it, and I would be honoured to play a role in guiding that future.”
Paralympics Australia President Grant Mizens OAM PLY said Fearnley’s unique combination of lived experience and proven governance credentials makes him an outstanding candidate.
“Kurt is one of Australia’s greatest Paralympians and a leader of remarkable influence across sport, disability policy and community life,” Mizens said.
“He has the governance record, the credibility and the personal qualities to be an exceptional IPC Vice-President. I have total confidence that Kurt’s integrity, resilience and vision would only help to strengthen and grow the global Paralympic Movement.”
PA Chief Executive Cameron Murray said Fearnley has consistently shown his ability to bridge the athlete perspective with high-level governance.
“Kurt combines the voice of an athlete with the leadership of a policymaker and advocate. In his Board roles with Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Kurt has been highly effective in helping to create a generational shift in Para sport with record levels of investment and awareness, and he is deeply respected across the international sporting community as well.”
Chair of PA’s Athletes’ Commission Sarah Stewart PLY said Fearnley has always been driven to ensure athletes remain at the heart of the Movement.
“Kurt fundamentally believes in, and consistently fights for, the rights and aspirations of athletes and the power and impact of the Paralympic Movement. He listens, he engages and he acts with integrity. He has lived the Paralympic journey, and he understands what is required to protect and strengthen it for the future.”
Fearnley will be one of two Australians entering the ballot with current IPC Board Member Robyn Smith OAM seeking re-election as a Member-at-Large, having been nominated by Virtus. Andrew Parsons, the IPC President since 2017, is one of two candidates for the Paralympic Movement’s highest office. Parsons is being challenged by Dong Hyun Bae from the Republic of Korea.
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Published: 22 September 2025
