Russian NPC celebrate 20th anniversary

“Once again I congratulate you on the anniversary of the Russian Paralympic Committee. Let me wish you all the best, good luck. Thank you for your attention.”

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven and IPC Vice President Andrew Parsons joined the Russian Paralympic Committee in celebrating its recent 20th anniversary.

The celebration was held in collaboration with the National Paralympic Committee’s (NPC) General Assembly at the Paralympic House in Moscow on 28 January. Nearly 100 delegates from 32 regional membership organisations of Russia were in attendance.

Presidents of National Paralympic Committees from Croatia, Belarus, Montenegro, Tajikistan, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Slovakia, Serbia, Hungary and Indonesia also attended the General Assembly as honourable guests.

President of the Russian Paralympic Committee Vladimir Lukin awarded Sir Philip Craven the memorable medal dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the NPC.

A gala celebration featured the award ceremony “Return To Life” and took place to honour Russia’s para-athletes and coaches for their performances in 2015.

During the Award Ceremony Sir Philip presented the award to the Russian National Wheelchair Curling Team, which took the gold medal at the European Championship in Finland. Parsons presented the award to the head coach of Russian football 7-a-side team Avtandil Baramidze, who led his team to the 2015 world champion title in Great Britain.

Putin said in his welcoming speech: “I am glad to greet his colleagues and our friends from the National Paralympic Committee and sports federations.

“Through the efforts of many enthusiasts and talented and caring people, the Paralympic Movement has made a huge leap forward. And in our country, it has reached a very significant, serious height. We are proud of the Russian Paralympians, their outstanding victories.

“Among the winners and their coaches, mentors, have earned high acclaim. Your example again shows convincingly creative, inspirational power of sport and the limitless possibilities of man.

“This year's Paralympic athletes face new tests and responsible starts. The most important of them – the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. I know that the preparation is in full swing today. Our athletes have won the right to compete in 16 of the 22 Paralympic sports, but the struggle is not yet complete.

“We hope that the Russian delegation in Rio will represent more athletes than at the previous Paralympic Games in London, and it will become one of the most numerous. We are waiting for you, dear friends, your bright, winning performances.

“Once again I congratulate you on the anniversary of the Russian Paralympic Committee. Let me wish you all the best, good luck. Thank you for your attention.”