Sochi Confident of Delivering Inspirational and Innovative Paralympic Games

Following the conclusion of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Co-ordination Commission’s fourth visit to the host city of the next Winter Paralympic Games, President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko has declared they are on track to deliver an inspirational and innovative Paralympic Games.

His comments come after three days of meetings in the Russian host city which included updates on a number of Games related areas as well as visits to various venues and infrastructure projects in the area including the Bolshoi Ice Palace, Stadium and Skating Centre.

Areas discussed included accommodation, spectator experience, technology, construction, transport and the Russian Government approved Barrier Free Environment action plan. Today (14 October) President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko also took part in an open discussion with the Sochi Public Council on the creation of a barrier free environment.

The IOC Co-ordination Commission includes International Paralympic Committee (IPC) representative Miguel Sagarra and is responsible for observing and advising on the progress of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee.

Miguel Sagarra said: “The Organizing Committee has now reached the halfway mark in its preparations for Sochi 2014 and they are making some good progress in a number of areas not only in terms of building infrastructure but trying to change attitudes towards people with a disability.

“We will continue to monitor their progress closely and are keen that their plans to create a barrier free environment for Sochi and Russia are integrated into their design plans for all venues that will serve 2014 Games. “

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to show the excellent progress we are making in preparations for Russia’s first Winter Games, and express our appreciation to the IOC Co-ordination Commission for sharing their time and expertise with us in Sochi.

“Significant steps forward have been made across all areas of our work, ensuring we remain on track to deliver an inspirational and innovative Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014.”

During the visit the Commission also met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for a visit to a village built for local relocated residents an some infrastructure projects related to the Games. Putin highlighted that new roads and railway lines built for Sochi 2014 would serve local residents for the next 70 years at least.

The next meeting of the IOC Co-ordination Commission will take place in Sochi from 22-24 March 2011.

The Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games will take place from 7-16 March 2014.