Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), awarded David Hadfield MBE, the former President of World Boccia, with the 2023 Paralympic Order during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Paralympic Order is the IPC’s highest honor, recognizing significant and lasting contributions to the Paralympic Movement by individuals and organizations. Hadfield was named a recipient of this award last year but was unable to accept it at the 2023 IPC General Assembly. Consequently, Parsons presented him with the award at the South Paris Arena, the designated boccia venue for the upcoming games, following Sunday’s competitions.
David Hadfield MBE was the founding President of World Boccia, holding the position from September 2012 until March 2023. His journey with the sport began in 2009 when he played a pivotal role in separating boccia from the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) to establish it as an independent International Sports Federation, now boasting membership from 73 countries.
Parsons remarked, “There is no greater honor as IPC President than to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Paralympic Movement with the Paralympic Order. In just over one decade, David Hadfield spearheaded the transformation of boccia from a small sport within CPISRA to a thriving independent federation and one of the fastest growing Paralympic sports. The evolution of World Boccia, thanks to David’s efforts, has been nothing short of remarkable.”
The Paralympic Order has been awarded since its inception in 1994.