Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly (GA) came to an end today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Hosted by the Malaysian Paralympic Council, around 350 delegates from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), disability specific sport federations (IOSDs), International Federations (IF),regions and sports attended the event.

During two days of meetings, which clearly showed increased sense of unity and understanding between IPC and its members, the GA was presented with an overview of IPC activities of the last two years as well as approved the Financial Budget for 2009 and the framework for 2010.

Nine National Paralympic Committees (Brunei Darussalam, Montenegro, Mozambique, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago) were ratified as members of the IPC. Furthermore, the International Archery Federation (FITA) joined the IPC as a member.

Furthermore, the IPC membership yesterday decided in favour of the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability (ID athletes) in competitions, including the Paralympic Games.

Four Organising Committees, Vancouver 2010, London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 reported on the status of their preparations for future Paralympic Games and distributed information to the delegates. The Beijing Olympic Development Association (BODA) reported on the success of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Said Sir Philip Craven, IPC President: "This General Assembly has been a landmark event for us. National Paralympic Committees from all over the world met and exchanged their views, numerous productive discussions arose during the meetings. I am confident that we are in an excellent position to face up to future challenges." (The End)