The 61-year-old from Bolton, England came to office in 2001 when he succeeded the inaugural President of the organisation Robert Steadward of Canada, and the IPC has experienced major growth under him.

"As things stand, I am planning to stand for re-election when my current term is over," Sir Philip toldinsideworldparasport.

"I am firing on all cylinders at the moment and I will put myself forward to be re-elected to the position.

"If someone decides to stand against me in 2013 and beats me, then that is a decision for our members and I would fully respect that.

"But I am really enjoying my work and the moment and I feel so excited with the London 2012 Paralympic Games now just over a year away.

"It is a privilege to be in the position I am in and I love being a part of the Paralympic Movement and serving it in the best way that I possibly can."

The position of IPC President carries with it membership to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) making Sir Philip one of Britain's four current IOC members, along with former British Olympic Association (BOA) chair and IOC Executive Board member Sir Craig Reedie, IOC Athletes' Commission member Adam Pengilly and the Princess Royal.

Sir Philip, who represented Britain in wheelchair basketball at five editions of the Paralympic Games between 1972 and 1988, is also a London 2012 Board member and this week went on his latest visit of the Olympic Park in Stratford.

"There is still obviously a huge amount of construction work going on but the venues look amazing and I am really starting to get that feeling that these will be a special Paralympic Games," he said.

"With the work that organisations like Sainsbury's and Channel 4 are doing, I know that this will inspire millions of people across the UK and I cannot wait for them to begin."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]