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Death of IOC Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is saddened to learn about the death today of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch, who was widely credited with renewing and fundamentally changing the landscape of the Olympic Movement, as well as influencing the Paralympic Movement. 21 Apr 2010
"On behalf of the entire Paralympic Family, I send my heartfelt condolences to Juan Antonio Samaranch’s family and the Olympic Family at this most difficult time." said Sir Philip Craven
Mr. Samaranch was involved in the agreement between the IPC and IOC, which strengthened the relationship of the organizations and thoroughly developed the future of the Paralympic Movement. In October 2000, on the occasion of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, an Agreement of Co-operation was signed by the IPC and IOC, which outlined the principles of the further relationships between the two organizations. This represented a significant development in the IOC's support for Paralympic Sport.
A further Agreement was signed in June 2001, aimed at protecting the organization of the Paralympic Games and securing the practice of "one bid, one city", meaning that also the staging of the Paralympics is automatically included in the bid for the Olympics.
IPC President Sir Philip Craven said that Mr. Samaranch was instrumental in the strong relationship that the IPC currently has with the IOC.
"Juan Antonio Samaranch was indeed an inspired visionary. In the late 1980's and 1990's he ensured that relationships between the IOC and the IPC were maintained and strengthened. He is a key reason for the success of the Paralympic Movement today," said Sir Philip.
"On behalf of the entire Paralympic Family, I send my heartfelt condolences to Juan Antonio Samaranch’s family and the Olympic Family at this most difficult time."