IPC and BOCOG host 2022 Paralympic Winter Games Orientation Seminar

The two sides held in-depth and extensive exchanges of views and discussions about the preparations for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in the next six years. The meeting was the first of its kind since BOCOG was inaugurated on 15 December 2015.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, led a five-member IPC delegation to the seminar. He was warmly welcomed by Zhang Jiandong, Vice President of BOCOG and Deputy Mayor of Beijing, and Lu Yong, Vice President of BOCOG and the head of the Executive Board of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation.

In a televised message to the seminar, IPC President Sir Philip Craven said: “When I think of Beijing, I think back to the amazing Paralympic Games in 2008 when China and Beijing raised the bar so high.

“I know you are capable and must repeat a similar feat with the Winter Games in 2022.

“The Closing Ceremony in 2008 was entitled “A Letter to the Future” and most certainly I see the Games of 2022 being a very big part of that letter.

“Make sure you reply to that letter with the greatest Paralympic Winter Games in 2022.”

Zhang Jiandong, Vice President of BOCOG, said: “The Chinese government pays close attention to the preparation for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and BOCOG is ready to do whatever necessary and make sure the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will be as “fantastic, extraordinary and excellent” as the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

“A successful 2022 Paralympic Winter Games needs joint efforts from BOCOG and the IPC. The seminar marks a good start of the close co-operation between the two sides. The IPC delegation’s visit helps us better understand the Paralympic Winter Games, and lays a solid foundation for BOCOG’s preparatory work in this regard,” he added.

At the seminar, the IPC delegates walked their BOCOG colleagues through the evolution of the Paralympic Winter Games, the history and governing structure of the IPC, and the IPC’s vision, aspiration and values. The two sides also discussed issues like the sports programme, accessibility, inclusion, branding, broadcasting, communication and promotion, media operations, requirements of different clients, legacy and milestone timings of the Paralympic Winter Games.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s CEO, said: “In the same way that Beijing 2008 raised the standard for all summer Games eight years ago, we want Beijing 2022 to take the winter Games to new heights.

“This Orientation Seminar marks the start of a six-year-long relationship with the Organising Committee and we hope this transfer of knowledge gives Beijing 2022 a good understanding of what is required to stage the best ever Paralympic Winter Games.

“All members of the IPC delegation were impressed with the interest the 250 delegates showed during the day long meeting.”

In his closing address to the seminar, Lu said he was very satisfied with the outcomes of the discussions, and BOCOG would be ready to put the fruitful outcomes into real practice.

“The 2022 Paralympic Winter Games is a good opportunity and also a big challenge for BOCOG. BOCOG should spare no effort to push forward the participation of Chinese disabled persons’ in the Paralympic Winter Games, and turn winter sports into an important tool to facilitate disabled people’s body building and rehabilitation,” he added.

Chinese representatives from the State General Administration of Sport, the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, Beijing and Hebei Province also attended the seminar.

BOCOG and the International Olympic Committee held a similar Orientation Seminar in early November 2015.