PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Message to Chinese Earthquake Victims and Families

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

According to a recent survey, 93% of the UK public see Paralympic athletes as good role models for young people. A total of 69% of those polled say that there should be more media coverage of Paralympic Sport.

The National Paralympic Committees of Spain and China signed a significant document last week which would allow a free-flow of information exchange about Paralympic sports and events. This will in effect promote the Paralympic Movement, leaving a permanent open pipeline of knowledge and experiences between Spain and China.

From 26 to 27 April, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Committee met to discuss implementation, education and research related to the approved IPC Classification Code.

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) is organizing a regional summit that is designed to bridge gaps in opportunities for girls and women. Officially titled “Asian Women in Paralympic Sport Leadership Summit”, the event will take place from 1 to 3 May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Last week, the Chinese government adopted a law amendment to better protect the country's more than 83 million persons with a disability, in the run-up to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in September.

Bonn, Germany - Today, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that the fifth VISTA Conference will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from 22 to 26 March 2009. The Conference will follow the Chef de Mission Seminar for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, held in Vancouver from 19 to 21 March 2009.