Bonn, Germany - Yesterday, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board (GB) concluded its 50th official meeting, which was held in Tehran, Iran.

During three days of meetings, the IPC GB focused on the upcoming Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, received an update on the final preparations and discussed outstanding issues. One of the main outcomes was that more women and more athletes with high support needs than ever before are expected to compete in Beijing. In particular, the plans for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay were discussed in detail. The Governing Board reaffirmed its support to the torch’s visit to Vancouver, London and Sochi.

Said IPC President Sir Philip Craven after the meeting: “The days in Iran have been really productive and we are now all looking forward to exciting Paralympic Games in September. A total of 4,000 athletes from 145 countries will compete in 20 sports and inspire spectators all over the world.”

The GB also discussed several other issues, including receiving the audit for the Financial Year 2007, an update on the IPC Business Plan implementation and a report on the progress of the preparations for the Paralympic Games in Vancouver, London and Sochi. Furthermore, the Board received updates on the work of various IPC Standing Committees and Councils as well addressed several membership issues.

The next Governing Board Meeting will take place in September 2008 in Beijing, China, just before the Opening Ceremony of Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

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Notes to the Editor:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 162 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, please contact Steffi Klein, IPC Median and Communication Senior Manager, on tel: +49-228-2097-230, e-mail: steffi.klein@paralympic.org or go to www.paralympic.org.