Speaking today at the opening of the IPC Membership Gathering, the three-day event marking the IPC's 25th anniversary in Berlin, Sir Philip covered the past, present and future of the Paralympic Movement's international governing body, which was formed on September 22 1989.

The British-born President spoke about the growth of the IPC, the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic Movement as a whole since 1989, and highlighted a number of the challenges the organisation has faced along the way.

More than 260 people from around the Paralympic Movement are in attendance to celebrate the milestone with a special Gala Dinner tomorrow and discuss the future strategic direction of the Movement.

"Many things have changed over the last 25 years, but what has and always will make the Paralympic Movement so special is its people," said Sir Philip, re-elected for his fourth and final term as IPC President last November.

"You are the Movement, the dedicated IPC member organisations with your expansive volunteer networks who are the reason why the IPC finds itself in the position it is in today.

"So many people have contributed to the IPC's success over the last 25 years, and every single contribution has made a sizeable difference."

Sir Philip also spoke at length about the IPC's relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since the first IOC-IPC Agreement was signed in 2000.

"Key to the growth of the Paralympic Games in the last 25 years has been our partnership with the IOC," he said.

"The 'One Bid, One City' Agreement signed in 2001 has firmly established the Paralympics as part of a 60-day festival of sport alongside the Olympics.

"Where we are now with the IOC is a long way away from late 2002, when I had to go and see IOC President Jacques Rogge and ask for a loan of $1 million (£630,000/€800,000), just to keep the IPC functioning whilst also permitting some limited investment.

"Today the IPC is financially stable, having generated record revenues in 2013, and is close to paying off the loan to the IOC."

Sam Ramsamy spoke of the IOC's relationship with the IPC ©Getty Images



After Sir Philip's opening address, Sam Ramsamy, IOC delegate member to sport for athletes with a disability, gave a view on their relationship with the IPC.

"The IOC and the IPC have a partnership agreement continuing until 2020," he said.

"I am certain that this agreement will again be renewed for a further period.

"The IOC provides support for the IPC as a fully-fledged international sports organisation, not a disabled organisation.

"Further, the IOC has made it obligatory within the Host City contract that the city elected to organise the Olympic Games will also host the Paralympic Games.

"Therefore the host city election procedure integrates the requirements of the Paralympic Games.

"We believe that such close working relationships enhance the quality and the worldwide recognition of the Paralympic Movement.

"Of course such recognition is also due to the commitment and dedication of your leaders since the founding of the IPC."

Looking ahead to the future, Sir Philip believes the IPC must continue to adapt to the ever-changing nature of sport.

"Whilst it's important we reflect on what we have achieved together over the last 25 years, it is crucial that we listen, debate, discuss and shape where we go from here," he said.

"Together we have achieved a lot in a short space of time, but we cannot afford to be complacent and dwell on our successes so far.

"The sporting world is evolving all the time and we need to be leading the way, working together to overcome the challenges we face and take advantage of the many opportunities that are out there."