First Co-ordination Commission Visit to Sochi

During two days of meetings, the Commission, including International Paralympic Committee (IPC) representative Miguel Sagarra (IPC Vice-President), visited the sites of the venues for the 2014 Winter Games as well as received an update from the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee (Sochi 2014) on a number of key areas of Games preparations, such as the Organizing Committee’s structure, transport, marketing, environment and construction. All general presentations also included Paralympic Games topics.

Russian Prime Minister Zubkov, Deputy Prime Minister Zhukov and a number of other high ranking Russian government officials also attended the meetings.

Said Mr. Sagarra: “We had very informative meetings here in Sochi and I am happy to see that the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee is embracing the Paralympic Games from the beginning as reflected in the Olympic and Paralympic Law that came into effect recently. Promoting inclusiveness as one of their core values, the Organizers make sure that the planning for both Games receives the same level of attention.”

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of Sochi 2014, said: “By building on the strong working relationships established during the Commission's first ever visit to Sochi, together we can deliver the most innovative Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in history, creating an enduring legacy for the benefit of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement and the people of Russia.”

IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez, who joined the IPC Vice-President in Sochi, added: “Sochi 2014 is showing a strong commitment to accessibility in all venues as well as the city. The inclusion of key representatives from the Russian National Paralympic Committee in the Organizing Committee will help to ensure all Paralympic requirements are integrated into plans at an early stage. We are looking forward working with the Organizing Committee to stage great Paralympic Winter Games in 2014”.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will be held from 7 to 16 March 2014.