I am so pleased to be able to address all of our members, for the first time, through the IBSA Newsletter, which we intend to publish on a regular basis. The aim of the newsletter is to keep you abreast of what is happening in the world of Blind Sports. In future editions, we hope to place different countries in the spotlight, so please, if you would like your country featured, send in your stories to IBSA (and photos too!) – we would love to hear from you.

I was very grateful to be elected as President of IBSA in September 2013, at the IBSA General Assembly in Denmark. I am fortunate that I have an executive board comprised of highly competent and experienced individuals. It is job to lead this talented team and bring out the best in everyone for the benefit of IBSA.

ince being appointed, IBSA and its officials have been very busy (as you will read in this newsletter). I am concentrating my efforts at building on progress made to date whilst making the changes that are necessary for IBSA to represent and truly my meet the needs of its constituency of blind and partially- sighted athletes around the world. To this end, IBSA is embarking on a strategic review during 2014. As our key stakeholders, your views and opinions are vitally important and will inform our future direction. Your input will be invited when the strategic process gets underway early this year.

In the meantime, may I wish you all a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!

Jannie Hammershøi

IBSA President