IPC make key approvals for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board approved the Tokyo 2020 road cycling venue and the dates for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at its meeting on Wednesday (7 March).

Meeting in PyeongChang, South Korea, ahead of the Paralympic Winter Games which open on Friday (9 March), the Board signed off the world famous Fuji International Speedway as the venue for all road cycling events during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. All 22 sport venues have now been confirmed.

The Board also approved the new dates of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games which will now take place between 28 August and 9 September, one week earlier than originally proposed.

This change came in response to the willingness of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Paris 2024 to facilitate the organisation of the competitions and offer the best possible exposure to the Paralympic Games, whose first half will now take place during the period of school holidays.

With less than 48 hours to go before the start of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, the Board was updated on final preparations for the Games.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Throughout the Board meeting there was an air of excitement regarding the start of the Paralympic Winter Games. Final preparations are going very well and it looks like the PyeongChang 2018 will be record-breaking in many areas. I’m also greatly encouraged by ticket sales which now have exceeded 275,000.

“Following the conclusion of PyeongChang 2018 all eyes will be on Tokyo 2020. I am pleased that the venue masterplan for those Games is now finalised. The change of date for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is hugely advantageous and will allow maximum exposure and awareness for the event.”

Ahead of opening nominations to IPC Standing Committees later this year, the Board ratified the reappointment of a number of Committee members.