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IPC Members Gathered for 9th IPC General Assembly in Athens
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More than 300 delegates from 75 countries and 22 sports convened in Athens, Greece, for the 9th IPC General Assembly on 7 and 8 December. Participation in General Assemblies has thus increased from 73 countries (Sydney 1997) and 55 countries (Salt Lake City 1999) to this new record set by Athens.
It has already become a tradition that the IPC General Assembly is held in the host city for the Paralympic Games three years after the Assembly. Thus, ATHENS 2004, the Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2004, welcomed the IPC in the Greek capital and organized this largescale event for the Paralympic family.
At the Opening Ceremony, the President of ATHENS 2004, Ms. Gianna Angelopouos-Daskalaki, pointed out that the Organizing Committee was proud to welcome the delegates with the famous Greek hospitality and that Athens would "prove in practice the sensitivity of the State and of the Organizing Committee toward the institution and the values of the Paralympic Games”.
During the Opening Ceremony, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also declared several Greek Paralympians as ambassadors of volunteerism for the 2004 Games and unveiled the logo for the 2004 Games.
A hotel complex outside of Athens was renovated for the General Assembly in order to make it accessible and accommodate the needs of delegates using a wheelchair.
On the first meeting day, the delegates received reports from the Organizing Committees for the next Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City (2002), Athens (2004), Turino (2006) and Beijing (2008). With regard to the Games in Athens, delegates stated that test events prior to the Games have to be a high priority in the next two years. Then, the IPC Management Committee members updated the Assembly on the organization’s main activities since the last General Assembly and of the plans for the future.
The second meeting day stood in the light of the elections and of the motions to be decided.
A farewell to the outgoing president was celebrated at the IPC President’s reception. Dr. Robert Steadward honoured members of the Paralympic
family with Paralympic Orders and certificates and was celebrated himself for his achievements in the past twelve years. |
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General Assembly Decision on Shaping the IPC ’s Future
The General Assembly voting delegates had to decide on motions regarding the constitution, policies and future directions of the organization. For the 9th General Assembly 2001, 23 motions from national member organizations, the Executive and Legal Committees as well as from IOSDs (disability specific international sport organizations) were put forward to be voted on.
The most important issue was clearly the lifting of the suspension of intellectually disabled athletes. In addition, the IPC membership decided to establish the position of Honorary President. This post will be filled by the IPC’s past President, Dr. Robert Steadward. The scope of the Honorary President’s responsibilities will be established by the new President and the Executive Committee.
The voting delegates decided further that a Paralympic foundation should be established. Its main task shall be raising funds for development and solidarity programs in less developed member countries. Moreover, a strategic review of the IPC structure shall be initiated. Immediately after the General Assembly, the Executive Committee started to determine the terms of reference for this project, which shall be completed by the end of year 2002.
Regarding marketing, which is a crucial area for the Paralympic family, the General Assembly voted in favour of a motion from the British Paralympic Association, which states that each National Paralympic Committee (NPC) has the right to the devolved use of the Paralympic symbol, flag, motto, hymn and the name ‘Paralympics‘ within its own country or territory. However, each NPC recognizes the right of the IPC to initiate a global marketing strategy with other partners, agencies, subject to individual and/or collective consultations
with IPC stakeholders. |
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