FIAS Takes Part in IPC Open Days in Bonn

The International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) took part in the IF and IOSD Open Days hosted by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany, from 4 to 8 May.

The event brought together 28 International Federations, International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled and Recognised International Federations, alongside the Association of Paralympic Sport Organisations (APSO). In total, over 50 representatives from sporting bodies held more than 135 one-on-one meetings with key IPC department staff covering Paralympic Games Sport, Classification, Membership, Anti-doping and Communications.

FIAS was represented by Alexander Korsik, CEO and Acting General Secretary of the federation. Over three working days, he held a series of meetings with IPC department leads in line with the official program. Korsik attended the Welcome and Plenary Session, followed by working sessions with IPC department representatives and APSO. He also met separately with leads from the Paralympic Games Sport, Classification and Membership departments. A dedicated meeting was held with IPC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike Peters PLY and Deputy CEO Kristina Molloy.

Discussions covered the current state of Blind SAMBO development, prospects for its inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games programme, and broader questions of cooperation between FIAS and the IPC. The federation's work in developing Para SAMBO – driven primarily by FIAS Vice President and Chair of the FIAS Athletes with Disabilities Commission Roman Novikov – received high praise from the IPC side.

“These meetings are essential for our continued integration into the Paralympic ecosystem,” said Alexander Korsik. “We discussed the Blind SAMBO application for the Paralympic Games in Brisbane and the development of our cooperation with the IPC as a whole. It is important for us to be present at events like this and to build solid working relationships across all key departments.”

IPC CEO Dr Mike Peters PLY underlined the value of the Open Days format: “The IPC is a member-focused organisation, and events like the IF and IOSD Open Days are key opportunities to connect with our members and exchange insights. These touchpoints support shared learning, strengthen collaboration, and help us better understand members' needs and priorities.”

The IPC Open Days serve as a regular platform for direct dialogue between the Committee and its member federations. For FIAS, participation in such events is part of a broader, systematic effort to strengthen SAMBO's position within the international Paralympic movement.

It is worth noting that in 2025, the International SAMBO Federation was granted recognition by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as a Recognised International Federation – an acknowledgment of FIAS's ongoing work in developing SAMBO for blind and visually impaired athletes.