Successful Project Review for Sochi 2014

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today completed its first Project Review of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, which took place from 27-29 April in Moscow, Russia. 29 Apr 2009 By IPC

“The meeting with the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee was a great opportunity to get an update on the current Paralympic Winter Games preparations.", said CEO Gonzalez

During a series of high-level meetings, five representatives from the IPC, including IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez, received an overview about Sochi 2014's functional areas that will ensure the delivery of an accessible first Paralympic Winter Games in Russia. Key areas of discussion included venue development, transport, marketing and communications, education, technology and the Sochi 2014 Paralympic legacy.

The IPC delegation met with key officials from the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, the Government of the Russian Federation, the Russian Paralympic Committee and the Olympstroy State Corporation. During the meetings, Sochi 2014 presented two major programmes to the IPC aiming on changing attitudes towards people living with a disability in Russia. One landmark activity agreed to help achieve this is a ‘Paralympic Day’, which will see Sochi 2014 and the IPC partner to celebrate Paralympism in cities across Russia in December 2009.

Another key element will be fully integrating the Sochi 2014 Volunteer Programme into the Paralympic Games preparation, which will see volunteers trained specially to provide maximum support for athletes and visitors with a disability.

The second major programme focuses on creating an environment without barriers, with Sochi becoming an accessible and barrier-free city for the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and beyond. Furthermore, Sochi 2014 announced that Rosneft, one of the world’s leading oil companies, has invested USD 25 million to become the first Official Partner of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. Sochi 2014 also announced that sports apparel to Russia’s Paralympic teams at the Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Games will be provided by the Organizing Committee.

“The meeting with the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee was a great opportunity to get an update on the current Paralympic Winter Games preparations. Having discussions and exchanging ideas at this early stage helps to build a common understanding of the Paralympic project and clarifies expectations. The Paralympic Games in Russia are a great opportunity to further develop Paralympic sports and we are pleased with the work done by Sochi 2014 so far”, said CEO Gonzalez.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said: “The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games are a key national priority for Russia. While our core focus is to ensure preparations are fully on track for an inspirational Winter Games, Sochi 2014 gives us an incredible opportunity to reach every heart to promote the Paralympic ideals and change attitudes towards people with a disability in Russia.

“We are already seeing major positive changes taking place in this regard, including enhanced accessibility and equality, but through Sochi 2014 we can do more and we are showcasing that this week to the International Paralympic Committee experts.”

For more information about the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, please visit the official website at www.sochi2014.com.