First Test Events for Sochi Paralympics Set to Take Place in 2012

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee have completed their two day Project Review in Moscow, Russia.

The topics discussed included the programme of initial Test Events for the Paralympics and the plans for hosting them, a report on the specific issues posed by the Paralympic Games in the construction of sports venues in Sochi, the transport plan envisaged for the Paralympic Games, the collaboration of the IPC and the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) and the question of how volunteers’ work will be organized.

The IPC representatives, including IPC Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez, were also brought up to date on the progress of implementing the programme for creating a barrier-free environment, the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee’s Paralympic Education Concept, and the operational plans for each of the sports venues being built.

”The construction of the sports venues in Sochi is on target to be completed on time, and is being conducted according to the IPC’s requirements for guaranteeing equal opportunities for people with a disability. All the infrastructure that is being built for the Games – public transport links, new roads, sports and urban infrastructure – is being constructed in such a way as to guarantee the required barrier-free environment, and in a way that will become a model for the whole of Russia,” remarked the President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko.

IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez, underlined the importance of the matters discussed: “The Project Review was very important for us to get an update on the progress made by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee in areas such as the construction of the venues. These meetings are essential to making the Sochi Paralympics a success.

“The programmes for the first Paralympic Test Events for example are already impressive, as well as the progress in creating a barrier-free environment. And soon, we will also see the Sochi 2014 Paralympic mascot chosen”.

The first Paralympic Test Events in Alpine Skiing and Biathlon will take place in Sochi in 2012. They will be demanding technical expertise and will give the athletes and officials a chance to test the readiness of the sports venues.

“The fact that the first Paralympic Test Events are going to be conducted in Sochi, for the first time, means that our Paralympic athletes will be better prepared for the Games of 2014,” remarked the General Secretary of the Russian Paralympic Committee, Mikhail Terentiev.

A separate meeting during the inspection visit was devoted to Paralympic Integration and the cooperation of the IPC and the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU).

Drawing the inspection visit to a close, the CEO of the International Paralympic Committee, Xavier Gonzalez, reaffirmed:

"It is important to recognize again that the Organizing Committee is doing everything to ensure that athletes from all over the world will be able to achieve great things in Sochi. The Paralympic and Olympic Games have the power to unite cultures and nationalities from around the world to celebrate sport in peace.”

Notes to the Editor:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 167 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, please contact Craig Spence, IPC Media and Communications Senior Manager on e-mail: craig.spence@paralympic.org or call +49-228-2097-230. Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org or www.ParalympicSport.TV.