First Co-ordination Commission Visit to Rio

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games ended its first visit today to the Brazilian host city with a full schedule of events. 20 May 2010 By IPC

We experienced very informative meetings during the last three days and it is great to see that the Organizing Committee is considering Paralympic topics from the beginning. We are looking forward to working very closely with Rio 2016 in the future.

Taking place from 18-20 May in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Plenary Session held today saw an update on the relationship with International Federations, the venue design approval process, the collaboration with National Federations and the preparations for Team Brazil. Additionally, plans on Communications in the upcoming year were also discussed.

Representing the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) during the visit were Commission member and IPC Vice President Greg Hartung, IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez and Paralympic Games Senior Manager Thanos Kostopoulos.

Said Mr. Hartung: "We experienced very informative meetings during the last three days and it is great to see that the Organizing Committee is considering Paralympic topics from the beginning. We are looking forward to working very closely with Rio 2016 in the future."

During the meetings, the Commission together with the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and local authorities also had an update on Rio’s plans for the 2016 Games, along with its progress since the host city’s election last year. Visits to the future venues were also included, for example to the Rio Arena, where some of the Commission members tried out the Basketball court.

In connection with the Commission’s visit, a Paralympic Orientation Seminar is also being held to discuss the challenges and organization operations of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be held from 7-18 September 2016.

For more information on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, please visit www.rio2016.com