The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) recognised the outstanding service of David Hadfield OBE (former President of World Boccia) by awarding him the Paralympic Order at the 2023 IPC General Assembly in Manama, Bahrain. The Paralympic Order is the highest accolade anyone associated with the Paralympic Movement can achieve.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President said: “There is no greater honour as IPC President than to recognise 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.”
On receiving the Paralympic Order, David said: “I was very surprised, but feel greatly honoured, to have been awarded the Paralympic Order. It is a wonderful recognition of the hard work of so many dedicated people, all volunteers, who have helped make Boccia the fastest growing and one of the most exciting Paralympic sports. We are deeply grateful to the IPC for their support over last 12 years during which we have established a strong international governing body which will ensure the continued growth of Boccia as ‘THE sport for everyone.”
The other 2023 Paralympic Order recipients are Jin-owan Jung (President of the Korean Paralympic Committee) and Jorge Ochoa (former President of NPC El Salvador).
Congratulations and thank you to David and the other recipients from all at World Boccia.
