The French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF) is the organisation that represents, guides, and organises groups offering sports activities for people with disabilities in France, whether for fun or competition, like the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Table of contents:

• Introduction
• Founding and Evolution of CPSF
• Key Missions and Responsibilities
• A Movement Rooted in Fundamental Values
• Organisational Structure and Membership
• Recognised National and International Legitimacy
• CPSF and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
• Final thoughts 

The French Paralympic and Sports Committee (Comité Paralympique et Sportif Français, CPSF) is France's central body for coordinating, leading, and representing Paralympic sports and adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities. 

Founded in 1992, CPSF has since evolved to play a vital role in both the French and global Paralympic movements, reflecting values such as universality, equality, unity, and fairness.

As a non-profit association, CPSF operates under the French law of 1901. It works alongside the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and other French sports institutions to enhance access to sport for people with disabilities. 

The CPSF has also been an integral part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee, contributing to the development and planning of the Games.

Founding and evolution of CPSF

Initial establishment (1992–1996)

The French Paralympic and Sports Committee was established in 1992 as the "French Liaison Committee for Sports and Exercise for People with Disabilities" (Comité de Liaison pour le Sport et l’Exercice Physique des Personnes Handicapées, COFLAPSH). The formation of this organisation came as a response to a pressing need to support and coordinate sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Initially, COFLAPSH had three member organisations:

• The French Para Sport Federation (Fédération Française Handisport)
• The French Federation for Adapted Sport (Fédération Française du Sport Adapté)
• The French Federation for the Deaf (Fédération des Sourds de France)

Under the leadership of its first president, André Auberger, COFLAPSH aimed to unify efforts across different disability sports federations to create a cohesive movement that could support sports activities at both recreational and competitive levels.

Renaming and structural changes

In 1996, COFLAPSH was renamed the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF) to more accurately reflect its alignment with the international Paralympic movement and its role in overseeing France’s participation in the Paralympic Games. This renaming marked a significant shift in focus, as CPSF expanded its efforts to integrate disability sports more prominently into the national and international sports framework.

Key missions and responsibilities

The CPSF operates with two core missions:

Paralympic representation and team selection

As a member of the International Paralympic Committee, CPSF represents France in the Paralympic movement. It is responsible for selecting and managing the French delegation for both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. This mission includes preparation, support, and logistical coordination for athletes representing France, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and guidance to perform at their highest level.

Promoting disability sports nationwide

CPSF collaborates with various sports federations in France to promote inclusive sports participation. By coordinating and supporting the efforts of member federations, CPSF aims to increase accessibility to sports and physical activity for people with disabilities. This involves working with local clubs, supporting regional initiatives, and fostering community engagement to encourage individuals of all abilities to participate in sports.

A movement rooted in fundamental values

The CPSF recognises that access to sport and exercise for people with disabilities remains limited, especially in high-performance sports. Therefore, the committee is committed to advocating for more inclusive facilities, policies, and support networks, aiming to ensure that all disabled individuals can participate in sports inappropriate and conducive environments.

The French Paralympic movement, under CPSF's leadership, is guided by four essential values:

• Universality: Ensuring that sports opportunities are open and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
• Equality: Promoting an inclusive approach to sports, where people with disabilities can compete and participate on equal terms.
• Unity: Bringing together various federations, organisations, and individuals to form a cohesive movement that fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
• Fairness: Emphasising the importance of fair play and ethical practices in all aspects of disability sports.

Organisational structure and membership

Membership expansion and diversity

Since its inception, CPSF’s membership has grown to include a wide range of sports federations. In 2013, a major reform led by then-President Emmanuelle Assmann opened the organisation to any federation involved in developing disability sports. Today, CPSF includes 39 member federations that fall under three categories:

1. Founding members: The original federations that played a key role in CPSF's formation and continue to be instrumental in its leadership and governance.
2. Paralympic sports: Federations focusing on sports included in the Paralympic Games, such as athletics, swimming, and wheelchair basketball.
3. Associated sports: Other federations dedicated to adapted and inclusive sports, even if they are not currently part of the Paralympic Games roster.

Governance and leadership

CPSF operates through a governance structure that includes a president, a general assembly, and various committees focused on specific areas of disability sports. Currently led by President Marie-Amélie Le Fur, a decorated Paralympic athlete, CPSF benefits from leadership that understands the unique challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. The governance model is designed to foster collaboration across all member federations, ensuring each one has a voice and can contribute to the development of disability sports in France.

Recognised national and international legitimacy

In 2015, CPSF's role in the French sports landscape was formally recognised in the French Sports Code, affirming its legitimacy as the official body for Paralympic and disability sports in France. This recognition strengthened CPSF's standing both nationally and internationally, giving it a clearer mandate to advocate for disability sports and influence policies affecting sports accessibility.

As a founding member of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, CPSF has been actively involved in shaping the vision and objectives of the upcoming Games. This involvement reflects France's commitment to hosting an inclusive event that showcases the abilities and achievements of Paralympic athletes.

CPSF and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

The upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris represent a unique opportunity for CPSF to spotlight disability sports on a global stage. CPSF is working with the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to ensure the Games embody inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Key priorities include:

• Athlete preparation and support: CPSF is providing tailored support to French Paralympic athletes, ensuring they have access to high-quality training facilities, coaching, and medical services.
• Public engagement and awareness: The committee is launching initiatives to engage the French public, promoting the values of the Paralympic movement and encouraging greater awareness of disability sports.
• Legacy of inclusivity: One of CPSF's long-term goals is to use the 2024 Games as a platform to leave a lasting legacy of inclusivity within French sports, inspiring future generations to pursue athletic aspirations regardless of their physical capabilities.

Final thoughts 

The French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF) stands as a testament to France’s commitment to creating an inclusive sports environment for individuals with disabilities. Since its establishment in 1992, CPSF has made meaningful contributions to the advancement of disability sports, fostering a culture of inclusivity, fairness, and unity. As the organisation prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, its impact on the French and international Paralympic movements continues to grow.

By championing values of universality and equality, CPSF is not only transforming the lives of disabled athletes but also reshaping public perceptions of disability and sport. Through its ongoing efforts, CPSF strives to build a world where sport is a right accessible to all, irrespective of physical ability. The legacy of CPSF’s work will endure as long as the organisation remains committed to empowering people with disabilities to pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and participate fully in the transformative power of sport.

Key takeaways 

• The French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF) is the primary body for Paralympic and adaptive sports in France, founded in 1992.
• CPSF champions universality, equality, unity, and fairness, aiming for accessible sports for all abilities.
• Its main missions include representing France in the Paralympic movement and promoting disability sports across the nation.
• CPSF’s structure includes 39 member federations spanning Paralympic and adaptive sports, fostering a united movement.
• CPSF is officially recognised in the French Sports Code, strengthening its advocacy for disability sports.
• CPSF plays a key role in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, focusing on athlete support, public engagement, and a legacy of inclusivity.
• Through CPSF’s efforts, French society increasingly embraces inclusive sports, supporting equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities.