IPC seek host of 2017 General Assembly

The IPC has launched the bid process for its General Assembly in 2017 ©IPC

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched the bid process for its General Assembly in 2017, where a replacement for current President Sir Philip Craven will be elected.

The governing body for Paralympic sport are inviting applications for the biennial event, which is set to be attended by 550 people from more than 150 countries.

It will mark the first time a new President has been chosen since 2001 as Sir Philip will have served the maximum period of 16 years, or four terms, at the helm.

The newly-elected President at the event in 2017 will become only the third person to head the IPC after Sir Philip and founding chief Robert Steadward, who served in the role from 1989 to 2001.

A new IPC Vice-President, replacing Brazilian Andrew Parsons, will also be elected at the 2017 General Assembly along with 10 members of the IPC Governing Board.

“The 2017 IPC General Assembly will act as a significant landmark in the history of the Paralympic Movement,” IPC director of protocol, hospitality and events Stephanie Keller said.

“It will see the election of a new IPC President for the first time in 16 years, together with the election of a Vice President and Governing Board.

“As a result, global media interest in the event is expected to be extremely high.

“This, combined with the significant economic impact this event brings to a host city, makes the 2017 IPC General Assembly a very attractive proposition.”

The 2017 IPC General Assembly will see a new President elected, replacing incumbent Sir Philip Craven ©Getty Images

Interested nations have until November 1 this year to submit an expression of interest form, before the IPC will then host a bid city workshop at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany on December 14 and 15.

The deadline for bid applications to be submitted to the IPC follows on February 26, while bid documents will be reviewed the following month.

Inspections of proposed hosts will be carried out in March and April before a provisional host city is chosen in May 2016.

As well as the General Assembly itself, the elected city will stage the 2017 Paralympic Sport Awards, which recognise achievements by leading Para-athletes and members of the media at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

A two-day IPC Governing Board meeting will be held alongside a one-day conference and several other meetings.

The 2015 IPC General Assembly will take place in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 14 and 15.