Both the World Blind Union (WBU) 8th General Assembly and International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) General Assembly were held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 8th to 18th November 2012.

IBSA was represented by Michael Barredo (President) and Neil O'Donovan (Executive Director), who attended a joint programme of plenary sessions and workshops which enabled them, as well as members of WBU and ICEVI, to build on opportunities for information sharing and cooperation between IBSA and its two peer organisations.

Michael Barredo (assisted by Neil O'Donovan) made a well-received presentation at a parallel session entitled "Encouraging Sport and Physical Activity" which was followed by a lively questions and answers session.

Arnt Holte (Norway) was elected President of the WBU; Fred Schroeder (USA) was elected 1st Vice President; Enrique Pérez (former IBSA President) was elected as 2nd Vice President, and Rina Prasarani (Indonesia) was elected as the new Secretary General of WBU.

IBSA has been working with the WBU and ICEVI for some years to promote sports for people who are blind or partially sighted as part of co-operation agreements signed with both organisations.

IBSA wishes the new WBU and ICEVI leaders every success in their new positions.

For more information on the World Blind Union, click here.

For more information on the International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment, click here.

To view pictures from the event, click here.