Andrew Parsons, the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), has awarded David Hadfield MBE, the former President of World Boccia, the prestigious 2023 Paralympic Order at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Paralympic Order is the highest honor conferred by the IPC, recognizing individuals and organizations for their significant and enduring contributions to the Paralympic Movement. Hadfield was announced as a recipient last year but was unable to attend the 2023 IPC General Assembly to receive his award. Therefore, Parsons presented the accolade at the South Paris Arena, the venue for boccia in the upcoming Paralympics, after competitions concluded on Sunday.
David Hadfield MBE was the founding President of World Boccia from September 2012 until March 2023 and began his involvement with the sport in 2009. He played a crucial role in the separation of boccia from the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA), leading to the formation of an independent International Sports Federation that now includes 73 member 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 first Paralympic Order was awarded in 1994.