IPC Learn of Plans by London 2012 to Raise Awareness of Paralympic Games

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has completed its visit of London as part of the seventh International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission Meeting for the London 2012 Games.

The main area of interest from an IPC point of view was the Paralympic Working Group which was informed about a number of initiatives the London 2012 Organizing Committee (LOCOG) is planning next year as excitement builds for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

IPC representative on the IOC Co-ordination Commission, Patrick Jarvis, IPC President Sir Philip Craven, IPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Xavier Gonzalez and IPC Paralympic Games Senior Manager Thanos Kostopoulos were presented with initial plans on how London plans to engage not only the British public but also international audiences in the Paralympic Games.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s CEO, said: “The meeting was extremely productive and we were impressed with the plans LOCOG is developing to build awareness of the Paralympic Games.

“The activities they are planning next year will go a long way to generating significant interest in the Paralympic Games and its likely star athletes, as well as giving members of the public a taste of what to expect when the Games kick off for real in late August 2012.

“Once announced by LOCOG, I am sure that excitement levels for the Paralympic Games will rise to a whole new level.”

In addition to awareness and engagement activities planned for next year, the IPC was also informed that LOCOG will conduct a number of stand alone Paralympic Sport test events in the lead up to the Paralympic Games which start on 29 August 2012.

Other areas discussed were the growing popularity of Mandeville, the mascot of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Look of the Games and Broadcasting.

IPC Governing Board member Patrick Jarvis was pleased with the outcome of the meetings: "This is a complex project with a lot of moving parts and LOCOG has made very good progress in a number of areas.

“Moving from the planning stage into operations mode will place further demands on all those involved and I am extremely confident that LOCOG will continue to demonstrate its capacity and professionalism.

“Of course, it will soon be 2011, which will be a very important year to further raise awareness of the Paralympic Games, especially within the British public."

The next IOC Co-ordination Commission meeting will be held from 30 March to 1 April 2011.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will take place from 29 August until 9 September 2012.