IPC launches countdown campaign to Sochi 2014

The International Paralympic Committee has launched a 50-day countdown campaign to the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, which begin in exactly 50 days on 7 March in Russia.

The International Paralympic Committee has launched a 50-day countdown campaign to the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, which begin in exactly 50 days on 7 March in Russia.

Each day the IPC will reveal interesting facts about each of the countries competing at the Games on the country facts page of the Sochi 2014 microsite. The campaign starts with Brazil, which will make its debut at a Winter Paralympics in Sochi.

IPC Ice Sledge Hockey is also well underway with its “8 for 8” series, which is previewing all eight ice sledge hockey teams competing at the Paralympics.

Each week for the next eight weeks, Paralympic.org will dedicate a week to each of the countries competing in the sport. A wealth of Sochi 2014 ice sledge hockey preview content will be unrolled, including news and feature stories, athlete blogs, team infographics, social media quotes and YouTube video playlists.

Also, as athletes prepare for the Paralympics, the IPC Alpine Skiing and Snowboard World Cup are continuing in Colorado, USA, and the IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup in Obertsdorf, Germany, on Friday (17 January).

Fans are also invited to show their support for the Paralympics by adding a specially designed #Paralympics graphic to their Twitter or Facebook profile pictures. This can be done via the Twibbon app.

In 2012, the hashtag #Paralympics was the top-trending sport event in the UK. The IPC would like to encourage all fans, athletes and teams to get behind the hashtag once again.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will feature around 600 athletes from more than 45 countries competing in 72 medal events across five sports.

To purchase tickets for Sochi 2014, please visit the Sochi 2014 ticket website.