IPC Governing Board Meets in Whistler

“The Governing Board had productive meetings here in Whistler. It was also a unique chance to see what the upcoming venues will offer to the Paralympic Winter Games,” Sir Philip Craven said.

During the three days of successful meetings at the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games host city, the GB discussed and approved several issues, including the ratification of the appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium as a member of the IPC Honorary Board.

The Board also received an update of the budget for the Financial Year 2009 and approved the framework for the budget of 2010 and 2011, which will be proposed to the IPC General Assembly for adoption later this year.

The Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee presented an update of the planning for the Games. In this context, GB members had the possibility to assure themselves of the progress made so far during a venue tour of all mountain venues.

Furthermore, the GB approved various proposed motions for submission to the 2009 IPC General Assembly as well as agreed on the establishment of an electoral commission for the upcoming GB elections in November 2009.

Following from the classification research, a rule change in Athletics was approved, clarifying eligibility criteria and minimal disability for athletes with physical impairment.

A position statement of Classification was approved providing scientific background for classification in Paralympic Sport and guidelines on how evidence based classification may be achieved. A report on the IPC Swimming Summit provided information about key learnings and outcomes.

The President of the IPC, Sir Philip Craven, was in attendance, and said: “The Governing Board had productive meetings here in Whistler. It was also a unique chance to see what the upcoming venues will offer to the Paralympic Winter Games.”

The next Governing Board meeting will take place in November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, days before the General Assembly for 2009.