Speaking in a lecture entitled "The Paralympic Movement Takes Off" he initially put forward the IPC's achievements under his tenure and vision for the years ahead before tackling questions on a range of subjects.

In relation to international development Sir Philip conceded shortcomings have been "apparent even since I became President in 2001" before arguing that "we have started to address this much better recently".

"We began the three year IPC Strategic Plan in 2011 and teamed up with the Agitos Foundation in 2012 which have both helped," he said.

"Recently for example we also joined up with the charity Motivation to produce high quality chairs but for 25 per cent of the cost which have been produced for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and athletics.

"We are also hoping to work with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity Fund but the most important thing is working with Governments.

"If we don't get through to Governments then we don't make progress as this is the best way to change negative perceptions to positive ones."

Getting disabled people into sport such as these Angolan footballers is a major aim for the Paralympic movement



To underline this point he cited the improvements in Japan where Paralympic sport has recently been shifted from the Ministry of Welfare to the Ministry of Sport.

He also cited the work done in countries as diverse as Germany and in Africa with the Continental Paralympic Association.

In Angola work has included introducing people affected by landmines into sport, and in Gambia effort has been made to boost equipment and participation levels.

He addressed the discrepancy between the Paralympic Games and other events, such as the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal which took place in front of small crowds with comparatively minimal international attention.

"There were some difficulties in Montreal and better fortunes in Lyon at the IPC World Athletics Championships," he said.

"This infill is starting to happen more but it is a big task which we will continue to address."

Despite the recent signing of a new deal which will ensure 150 hours of American television coverage at both the Sochi and Rio Paralympic Games he described the American coverage as "still not enough" although added that "we're here for the long haul and it is improving"

Sir Philip was most comfortable, perhaps unsurprisingly, when speaking about the positive impact of the London 2012 Games last summer.

Sir Philip Craven addresses the world during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games


Alongside a video bringing back both the thrills and spills of the Games, Sir Philip spoke about the impact that sponsors, broadcasters and spectators had before adding that "at the end of the day what made London 2012 were the athletic performances."

He continued by jokingly thanking the London Olympic Games organisers for providing such a good "test event" for the Paralympics one month later.

Although he said it was too early to talk about the long term effect he maintained that there has been lots of positive legacy in Britain over the last 12 months but primarily at a "local" level.

To make this point he used the example of an unnamed young girl in South Wales whose demand for a local sports centre had resulted in a Paralympic sports suite in her local area.

It was the international development of the Paralympic Movement which resonated strongest however and this was something Sir Philip returned to highlight when addressing the question of what was the greatest legacy that he will end his Presidency with?

"To tap into different cultures and to get more people participating in sport around the world," he said.