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Three Inductees to the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame
On 14 March, on the second day of competition of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, this year's inductees were welcomed to the Paralympic Hall of Fame, presented by Visa. Inductees included Cross-Country skier Tanja Kari (FIN), Alpine skier Chris Waddell (USA), and Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing coach Rolf Hettich (GER). The three inductees were nominated by member organizations of the IPC based on their athletic performance, history of fair play and participation in community service. Kari, Waddell and Hettich then were selected by the IPC's Governing Board. 14 Mar 2010
"Visa is again proud to be the presenting sponsor of this unique celebration honoring the achievements and spirit of Paralympic athletes and their coaches," said Michael Lynch, Head of Global Sponsorship Management Visa Inc.
The induction ceremony featured the third group of Paralympic athletes to be inducted into the Paralympic Hall of Fame.
Members of the Paralympic Family, including IPC President Sir Philip Craven, IPC Vice President Greg Hartung, IOC Vice President Dr. Thomas Bach, HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Vancouver 2010 CEO John Furlong, London 2012 CEO Paul Deighton and Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernychenko, were among the guests that celebrated the three inductees this morning.
"Visa is again proud to be the presenting sponsor of this unique celebration honoring the achievements and spirit of Paralympic athletes and their coaches," said Michael Lynch, Head of Global Sponsorship Management Visa Inc.
The Paralympic Hall of Fame ensures that a permanent record and institutional memory is kept of top Paralympic athletes and coaches of all time, thus honoring the performers who achieved a high and sustained level of success in the Paralympic Games.
"The IPC is proud to induct Chris, Tanja and Rolf into the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame," said Sir Philip. "I congratulate their outstanding achievements on and off the field of play. The Paralympic Hall of Fame not only celebrates excellence in competition, but it offers young athletes a positive role model to look up to in their future endeavors in Paralympic sport. The IPC thanks Visa for their continued support and commitment."
In order to be eligible, athletes and coaches must have achieved a very high and sustained level of success at the Paralympic Games. They must also have consistently displayed a spirit of fair play, and made a positive contribution to the Paralympic Movement. They must have ceased their participation in Paralympic sporting competition for at least four years (one Paralympic Games cycle).
Paralympic Hall of Fame election and induction ceremonies are held in conjunction with the Paralympic Games, and consequently take place only during those years in which the Paralympic Games are held. The Paralympic Hall of Fame currently exists as a virtual Hall of Fame on the IPC website.