IPC President to receive prestigious Japanese award
On 9 May, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons will be presented the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun 29 Apr 2025
The Japanese Government has announced it is to award International Paralympic Committee President (IPC) Andrew Parsons with the prestigious Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in a ceremony that will be held on Friday, 9 May 2025.
Parsons will be presented with the award by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace in recognition of his great contribution to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
“I am deeply honoured to be awarded the prestigious Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun,” said the IPC President. “Japan is a country I have great affection for so to receive this award is extremely humbling.
“The Paralympic Movement will forever be grateful to Japan, the outstanding Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, and its tremendous delivery partners for staging the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
“Faced with the most difficult circumstances, Japan delivered tremendous and transformational Paralympic Games. They were a Games that gave the world hope, and which were warmly embraced by the wonderful Japanese people.
“While this is a personal award, I also feel it recognises the significant contributions of everyone inside and outside the Paralympic Movement who were involved in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games were a tremendous success and attracted 4,393 athletes from 162 nations who competed in 22 sports, with Para badminton and Para taekwondo both making their Paralympic debut.
Delayed for a year due to the pandemic, Japanese authorities did a remarkable job in organising a safe and secure event. The Games also delivered a tremendous legacy, transforming attitudes towards persons with disabilities, improving accessibility of the Tokyo metro, and leading to new legislation that ensures greater accessibility at hotels across the country.
The Orders of the Rising Sun award was established in 1875 and is given to people who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of Japan. It honours achievements in a variety of areas, including the promotion of culture and international relations.
