The British former Paralympic athlete gave a keynote address to the Paralympic Sports Medicine and Science Symposium at the 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly in San Diego and stressed the role of sport in the recovery process and in learning many life skills, including teamwork, decision making, fair play and communication.

"Sport is an activity that unites all individuals regardless of who they are, where they come from or what they stand for in a peaceful and celebratory environment to create positive results," Sir Philip told the 2,500 delegates.

"Sport is about human interaction; you never stop learning with sport - it is life's great educator.

"On top of these life skills, sport for a person with a perceived disability can do so much more.

"The Paralympic Movement is about empowering individuals rather than caring for a collectivised and thus marginalised minority."

During his hour-long talk at what is the largest gathering of physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians in the US, Sir Philip also spoke about the success of the London 2012 Paralympics and the impact the Games are having on those that experienced them.

Sir Philip Craven shared a quote from Australian wheelchair basketball player and Sydney 2000 silver medallist Donna Ritchie ©Getty Images


"Paralympic sport is an extremely effective vehicle for changing society," he added.

"I believe that Paralympians through freedom contained within their minds produce incredible performances with their bodies, which when watched or listened to by others can inspire them to change their perceptions and thus change the world.

"When people watch Paralympic sport, they initially are surprised and delighted at being able to watch high performance athletes in action.

"They are surprised that persons with a once perceivable disability are able to do the same, if not more, than spectators can.

"The key now is to relive the London and Sochi [2014 Winter Paralympics] experiences and build on this success at future Paralympic Games, starting with Rio 2016 and then continuing with Pyeongchang in 2018."

Sir Philip also shared a quote from Australian wheelchair basketball player and Sydney 2000 silver medallist Donna Ritchie: "Paralympians don't have the time to worry about what doesn't work, they maximise what does."

Cheri Blauwet, who is chair of the IPC Medical Committee and one of the organisers of the Paralympic Sports Medicine and Science Symposium, said they were delighted to have the IPC President speaking at the event.

"Sir Philip's riveting keynote presentation captured the audience of physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians from the United States and abroad, whom now understand the power of sport as a tool for rehabilitation, health and empowerment," said the American, who is herself a former Paralympic athlete in wheelchair racing.

"We were honoured to have him join us for our Annual Assembly."

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