"I have known Sir Philip Craven for a long time and will be forever grateful for his contribution to London 2012 and his hard work and unfaltering support as a member of the LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) Board," double Olympic 1500 metres gold medallist and London 2012 chairman Coe said.

"Phil is a man of vision and with all that lies ahead for the Paralympic Movement, the tremendous opportunity it has to grow and inspire positive change across the world, it is vital there is a leader of substance and credibility at its head.

"The IPC is lucky to have Philip at the helm now and I sincerely hope he remains so for the journey through to Rio."

Meanwhile, 11-time Paralympic champion Dame Sarah credits Sir Philip with developing the Paralympic Games in to "a global phenomenon".

Sebastian Coe and Sir Philip Craven worked closely together on London 2012

"As athletes, finally getting recognition for our efforts after London was fantastic and I know that we all realise how important this recognition is in making society re-think its attitudes to disabled people," she added.

"I'm incredibly proud that an ex-athlete has led the Movement this far and as we head towards Rio, I think Sir Philip's passion and energy is still needed to capture and build on the achievements of London."

Sir Philip's fellow Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson also added her support to his campaign.

"I have known Sir Philip Craven for over 20 years," she said.

"As an athlete, sport leader and now President of the IPC it is hard to think of someone with more passion for the Paralympic Movement.

"He knows its power because, like me, he has experienced it first hand as an athlete.

"And it is athletes that remain at the heart of his vision for the future.

"I hope very much that he is given the chance to serve the Paralympic Movement for one more term as President and can help the rest of the world build on the incredible success of London 2012."

Nine-time Paralympic champion swimmer and director of Paralympic integration at London 2012 Lord Chris Holmes added that he thinks Sir Philip is "the right man now to take the Movement forward" following the London 2012 Games.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said it is hard to think of someone with more passion for the Paralympic Movement than Sir Philip Craven



The endorsements come after incumbent Sir Philip last week launched his IPC Presidential re-election campaign, with a pledge to "maintain the momentum" and to continue the development of "one of the most significant organisations in the world".

"I'm honoured and delighted to receive this unwavering support from such esteemed Paralympic and Olympic athletes," he said.

"This backing provides further encouragement for me to continue the IPC's growth and development, building on the success of London 2012 and setting out a strategic vision that will drive the Movement forwards in the next 20 years.

"Now is not the time to stand still.

"With the support of my friends and colleagues across the Movement, I firmly believe that we can tackle the fresh challenges head on, and take the IPC to the next level by focussing on grassroots development and by keeping sport and the athletes firmly at the core of the organisation's existence."

Sir Philip's only challenger for the most powerful position in world disability sport is IPC Governing Board member Alan Dickson, who was nominated by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA).

The IPC President is due to be elected at the organisation's General Assembly in Athens on November 24.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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