| It is my very sincere pleasure to extend a warm welcome
to all of you, to the XI Paralympic Summer Games Sydney 2000. In the days 18 to 29
October, we shall behold one of the finest Games in Paralympic history. A record number of
125 delegations have confirmed the entries of their athletes who will be competing in
Sydney. This figure is greater than either the participation of 103 countries in Atlanta
1996 or 83 countries in Barcelona 1992. Our athletes have trained long and hard for this
opportunity and each male and female competitor will be committed to producing their best
performance ever and best shot for gold. Against the background of thrilling sport
events and colorful ceremonies, our Paralympic Movement is well on track to reaching our
goal of integrating elite athletes with a disability into able-bodied sport. The Sydney
2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games will share in the 60-day sport festival, dedicated to
excellence in sport, friendship and cultural diversity. Both Organizing Committees benefit
from common departments and many areas of synergy. I am also pleased and honored to report
that at the 111th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Sydney, I was
elected by the IOC to the position of IOC Member. This is a most significant milestone for
disability sport and clear recognition of our many achievements thus far. My election to a
Member of the IOC will further strengthen the credibility and profile of the Paralympic
Movement worldwide.
On behalf of our entire organization, I thank the Sydney Paralympic Organizing
Committee (SPOC), the IPC Sports Chairmen, the Sports Technical Delegates and all members
of our Paralympic family, whose efforts and enthusiasm have led us to sport success in
Sydney. I thank also, SPOC President Dr. John Grant and SPOC Chief Executive Lois Appleby
for their outstanding leadership and direction, and the myriad of SPOC staff and
volunteers, without whom the realization of this monumental event would not have been
possible.
Let the Games of the XI Paralympiad begin and become our finest games ever in the brief
yet remarkable history of the IPC.
Dr. Robert D. Steadward, O.C.
President |
