© Photo: IPC

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) produced in co-operation with one of its Gold Patrons, Allianz, six video clips that portray different Paralympic athletes on their way to Beijing.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games are just around the corner. Around 4,000 athletes from 145 countries are in the middle of their preparations, the city of Beijing and the country of China are getting ready for the biggest Paralympic Games ever. With more than 3,500 media reoresentatives, the media coverage will reach an unprecedented level and will help to raise the awareness for the Paralympic Movement.

The video clips show the athletes in their private as well as sporting life, take a look at past Paralympic Games and look ahead to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.  

Following athletes are portrayed:

Esther Vergeer – NED – Wheelchair Tennis:
Has only lost one match since 2003

Heinrich Popow – GER – Amputee Sprinter:
Three medals in Athens

Carlos Lopes – POR – Visually impaired sprinter:
Paralympic athlete for more than 20 years, two gold medals in Sydney

Michael Teuber – GER – Para-Cycling:
Two gold medals in Athens and looking for more

Chinese Team – CHN  - Football 5-a-side:
A new team that wants to win a medal in Beijing

Kirsten Bruhn – GER – Swimming:
Four medals (one gold) in Athens are not enough, she wants more in Beijing

The German production company RTV will make the video clips available for download at www.tv-paradise.com. They are placed in the category “Paralympic Moments” from 28 July onwards. Tape versions of the “Paralympic Moments” can also be ordered through RTV. Requests may be directed at the following address: Eva Werthmann, IPC Broadcasting and New Media Co-ordinator at eva.werthmann@paralympic.org .