Countdown for the Upcoming Paralympic Winter Games
During their recent visit to Salt Lake City, the IPC Liaison Committee
received an update from Xavier Gonzalez, Managing Director of
the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games regarding preparations for
the 2002 Paralympic Games.
Mr. Gonzalez confirmed that a significant milestone has been
achieved, with 34 countries intending to send athletes to Salt
Lake. First time participating countries include South Africa,
and Greece. Iran is planning to send an Alpine skier to compete
as well. To date, these winter games are expected to be the
largest in the movement's history with more than 1,000 athletes
and team officials attending.
SLOC also presented plans for ceremonies and Look of Games.
For the Paralympic Medal Award Ceremony, the awarding of medals
will change in the order in which they are presented. These
will be the first games to award medals in the order of bronze,
silver and then gold. Creative plans for Opening and Closing
ceremonies were presented by the SLOC Creative Team. Details
will be released as the Games draw nearer. The emphasis of the
ceremonies will be placed on the "Mind, Body, Spirit"
theme of the Paralympics. The ceremonies promise to be quite
spectacular. The Closing Ceremony location has been finalized,
and will be held in the downtown Salt Lake City Olympic Medals
Plaza.
Tickets to the Games are set to go on sale November 2001, to
all members of the general public. Between now and then the
National Paralympic Committees with competing athletes will
be distributing tickets that they have purchased from SLOC.
Another key milestone is the 7 September Registration Package
mailing. NPCs will be receiving entry forms and applications
for accreditation. These documents are essential for competing
and attending the Games. Additional information such as sport
technical manuals, classification manual, medical and media
information will be distributed. The International Paralympic
Committee headquarters will also receive a similar package to
accredit Paralympic Family Members. Remember, Application for
Accreditation forms are due back to SLOC 1 December and final
Entry of Athletes is due 7 January.
Jaime Rupert
Salt Lake Organizing Committee
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