Reflecting on his talks with President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, Parsons said it was a pleasure meeting the president. “The conversation went very well. What struck me most was his deep understanding of the transformative power of Para sports in improving the lives of persons with disabilities. He shared with me how, over the past decade, he has worked to change perceptions about persons with disabilities in Egypt, recognising the pivotal role sports can play in this endeavor. We found common ground on this topic and further discussed the conditions and infrastructure of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee for organising events in Egypt.”

Parsons also noted Egypt’s aspirations to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2040. “President Al-Sisi was very receptive to the idea, and we exchanged views on the facilities, particularly Egypt’s Olympic City in the New Administrative Capital. My impression of the infrastructure is overwhelmingly positive, not just the Olympic City, which is exceptional, but also other venues I visited, such as the Hassan Mustafa Sports Complex and the Maadi Centre. I am confident that Egypt is prepared to host both the 2027 All-Africa Para Games and the All-Africa Games. Hosting them side by side would be a fantastic move. I fully support this idea, 110 per cent, as it would allow the use of the same venues, organising committee and resources, creating an incredible platform for African athletes. These Games could also serve as a qualification event for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.”

Parsons expressed his admiration for the progress he observed during his visit. “It has been 18 years since my last visits to Egypt in 2004 and 2006. The country has undergone remarkable changes. Cairo has grown significantly, with the development of the New Administrative Capital and visible advancements across various sectors, including the economy, sports and Para sports. Egypt’s success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with numerous medals won, is a testament to this progress. Beyond that, I noticed the growth in other Para sports, such as canoeing and boccia. What I expected was confirmed, and I was deeply impressed.

“While I only had the opportunity to see Cairo during this visit, I can imagine the potential in other regions like Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and others. All these factors point to significant growth in Egypt’s Paralympic sports landscape.”

Parsons highlighted the IPC’s readiness to support Egypt’s ambitions. “The IPC can assist Egypt in many ways. We can support various programmes, help design plans for hosting competitions, and provide funding. Our future collaboration with the Egyptian Paralympic Committee (EPC) will focus on training senior staff at our headquarters in Bonn, Germany, as well as supporting the development of classifiers, coaches and referees. Together, we can create a comprehensive strategy. Egypt has the infrastructure.”

Parsons also praised Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi after their discussions on advancing Egypt’s position in sports. “Egypt has the leadership, infrastructure and ambition to lead the African continent in the Paralympic movement. The country is well-positioned to host major events and take a leadership role in Africa’s Paralympic sports sector.”

Parsons also commended the leadership of Hossameddin Mustafa, EPC president. “Hossam has consistently demonstrated incredible drive in advancing Paralympic sports in Egypt and Africa. Having led the World ParaVolley Federation for years, he possesses the spirit, vision and leadership skills to lead any organisation globally. His efforts in leading the Egyptian Paralympic Committee are truly remarkable.”

During his visit to Egypt, Parsons immersed himself in the country’s rich cultural heritage and engaged closely with its sports community.

He began his tour by visiting Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. He expressed admiration for these ancient monuments, highlighting their historical significance and drawing parallels to the strength and resilience of the Paralympic movement. The tour continued to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where he marveled at the exhibits showcasing Egypt’s rich history, followed by a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC), which seamlessly blends historical artifacts with modern cultural displays. Parsons noted the inspiration drawn from Egypt’s heritage and how it resonates with the IPC’s mission to inspire and uplift through sports.

Parsons also visited the Egyptian Olympic Committee headquarters, where he was welcomed by Yasser Idris, president of the Egyptian Olympic Committee.

In recognition of his contributions to the Paralympic movement, Parsons was awarded the Egyptian Olympic Committee Collar. He expressed his gratitude for the honour and commended Egypt’s efforts in advancing its position as a leader in international sports. Parsons toured the Egyptian Olympic Museum, gaining insight into the country’s sporting legacy and achievements.

A highlight of Parson’s visit was a meeting with Para athletes, their coaches and federation members. During the session, Parsons listened to their experiences, challenges and aspirations and emphasised the IPC’s evolving mission. “The IPC will focus not only on the sports and competition side but also on the social aspects of athletes’ lives and how sports can contribute to their overall well-being and integration into society.” He encouraged the athletes and their support teams to continue striving for excellence, underlining the IPC’s commitment to helping with their journey.

Parsons’ visit reaffirmed the IPC’s dedication to deepening its partnership with Egypt and highlighted the country’s potential to lead the Paralympic movement in Africa. He commended the progress made in Para sports and the infrastructure supporting them, expressing optimism about Egypt’s future role in shaping the global sports landscape. His visit was not only a celebration of Egypt’s cultural and sporting achievements but also a testament to the unifying power of sports to inspire and drive change.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 12 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly