Oceania Paralympic Committee Inc.

The Oceania Paralympic Committee Inc. (OPC) is a nonprofit regional organization based in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to supporting and promoting Para sport throughout the Oceania region. It serves as the collective body for the nine National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) in Oceania, fostering opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport at various levels—from community engagement to the Paralympic Games[1][2].

History and Affiliation

Founded in 2001, the OPC is an affiliated Regional Organisation of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Through this affiliation, the OPC forms part of a global social movement that harnesses the power of sport to influence perceptions, change attitudes, and promote social inclusion for people with disabilities[1][5].

Mission and Vision

The OPC’s stated vision is "An inclusive Oceania through Para sport." Its core purpose is to support Oceania nations in delivering Para sport programs that enable people with disabilities to participate fully in sport. This mission aligns closely with broader IPC goals of fostering equality and inclusion through athletic opportunity[2][5].

Membership and Scope

The OPC currently supports nine member NPCs from the region: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The organization aims to expand this membership to 17 nations by 2032, increasing access and participation across the Pacific[2].

Activities and Programs

The OPC provides advocacy, resources, and support to its member committees to develop Para sport at all levels. This includes athlete preparation, competition facilitation, and community sporting initiatives. The committee also collaborates with partners and stakeholders to maximize participation and celebrate the achievements of athletes with disabilities. For example, the OPC played a key role in supporting the successful 2023 ITTF Oceania Para Championships held in the Solomon Islands[2].

Values and Strategic Direction

The Oceania Paralympic Committee emphasizes values such as family, belonging, unity, respect, and heart, which complement the IPC’s values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equality. OPC is actively developing a strategic plan extending to 2032, created in consultation with its members and stakeholders, to guide its growth and impact across the region[5].

Governance and Legal Status

The OPC operates as a registered charity under Australian law, holding the Australian Business Number (ABN) 35100432157RR0001. Its charitable activities focus on promoting inclusion and social change through Para sport development in Oceania[3][4].

The Oceania Paralympic Committee continues to play a crucial role in empowering people with disabilities across Oceania by using sport as a vehicle for positive social transformation and increased inclusivity.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Paralympic_Committee [2] https://www.oceaniaparalympic.org [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/913b23ea-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/913b23ea-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/documents/c851ea81-bd96-ed11-aad1-002248933c76 [5] https://www.oceaniaparalympic.org/opc/