The man nicknamed "Pika" hailed from France, the country that created the sport during the 1970s, and took it up when he was 15-years-old. 

He went on to become a key member of the French national team and was part of the side that competed at the inaugural Powerchair Football World Cup in 2007 and more recently, the European Powerchair Football Association (EPFA) Nations Cup this year. 

In 2008, Durand moved from France to the United States to help develop the game internationally.

Acting as a player and head coach of Atlanta Synergy, he guided them to a second place finish in the National Championships that same year.

The Vermont Chargers paid tribute to Jerome Durand ©Vermont Chargers



Durand was working with others to try to get powerchair football, the only sport in the world exclusively for powerchair users, on the Paralympic programme.

The sport was among those dropped by the International Paralympic Committee after the first phase of the application process for Tokyo 2020, but there is a strong possibility it will feature at future Games. 

Widely recognised as the most decorated player in the history of the US game, Durand was influential in the growth of the Vermont Chargers Power Soccer Club, who joined the rest of the powerchair football community in mourning his passing. 

"Pika was instrumental in spreading the sport of power soccer across the globe," said the Chargers on their Facebook page.

"Our condolences go out to his family and best friend, Nicolas Dubes [EPFA President] during this difficult time."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2014: European Powerchair Football Association President hails support of UEFA
January 2014: Six sports and three disciplines confirmed as bidding for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics inclusion
November 2013: New sports begin bid for inclusion at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
January 2011: Look what you'll be missing, powerchair football chief tells Paralympic officials