The World Abilitysport Governing Board met in person for the first time this year in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates from 21^st to 23^rd February 2025.

Kindly hosted by World Abilitysport Vice President, Dr Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, supported by Games Committee Chair, Abdel Nasser Brahamia, the two-day meeting welcomed President, Rudi Van den Abbeele, Honorary Treasurer, Ian Donald and Board Members, Liene Apine, Dina Sotiriadi and Maitree Kongruang to the Emirate. World Abilitysport CEO, Charmaine Hooper, Head of Sport, Harry Cootes and Head of Operations, Elin Luce were also present to report on matters such as membership, Games and our governed sports.

Following the announcement of a flagship Games partnership with the National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye, President Murat Aksu and General Coordinator, Serkan Baltacı, also attended the meeting to present progress reports on the upcoming 2025 World Abilitysport Beach Games and 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games.

Over two days, the Board made important strategic decisions for the future of World Abilitysport governed sports, the growth of our Games programme and made first steps on the 2025 membership structure review.

World Abilitysport President, Rudi Van den Abbeele said, ‘I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah for his ongoing support of the Paralympic Movement. My sincerest thanks also goes to our Vice President, Dr Tariq Sultan bin Khadem for his warm welcome and kind hospitality in the hosting of this important meeting.’

The Board will meet again in mid-September ahead of the 2025 World Abilitysport General Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia.