Annual Reception Looks Ahead to Vancouver

IPC President Sir Philip Craven, the new Lord Mayor of Bonn, Jürgen Nimptsch and Dr. Gerhard Rupprecht, member of the Executive Board Allianz SE and Hay K. Yang from Samsung were among the 80 guests to celebrate the beginning of the New Year 2010.

German athletes, including Rainer Schmidt, Holger Nikelis, Jörg Frischmann, Alexander Spitz also were in attendance, offering their own support and anticipation for the various events in 2010.

A video about the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver enriched the evening and inspired the guests. Furthermore, a new series of "Allianz Paralympic Moments" were officially launched, portraying different Paralympic athletes on their way to Vancouver. Those video clips show the athletes in their private as well as sporting life, take a look at past Paralympic Games and look ahead to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Following the presentation, the celebration became a more social gathering inside the University Club. Sponsors and athletes alike had the opportunity to meet one another, and exchange stories about their Paralympic experiences, as well as plan for a prosperous future.

In his speech, IPC President Sir Philip Craven looked forward to the upcoming months, highlighting: "It will be another magnificent year, and the start of a magnificent decade. In just less than two months, the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be underway, proving to be a magnificent experience for those who are new to the Paralympic Movement, and evenly inspiring for those of us returning."

Looking back to 2009, Sir Philip listed all achievements and events, including the 10/20 Year Anniversary Celebration in Bonn, the International Paralympic Day in Berlin and Moscow as well as the IPC General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur.