IPC Looks for Paralympic Alumni for London 2012 Event

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the governing body of the Paralympic Movement, is looking into organizing a Past Paralympians Reunion during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The aim of the event, which is dependent on former athlete interest, is for past Paralympians to come together, share stories and celebrate their accomplishments from previous Paralympic Games whilst also enjoying the action from the London 2012 Games.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Paralympic Movement has come a long way since the first Paralympic Games in 1960 with tens of thousands of athletes competing.

“Each has great memories of taking part and what we would like to do is bring them together in London to meet up with former teammates, rivals and foes to share their stories and celebrate been part of the Paralympic Movement.”

Just over 400 athletes from 23 countries took part in the first Paralympic Games in Rome, Italy in 1960 and since then the Games have gone from strength to strength.

The last summer Games in Beijing in 2008 attracted 3,951 athletes from 146 countries and last year’s Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games saw 502 athletes from 44 countries compete.

More than 25,000 athletes have taken part in the Paralympic Games since 1960.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games which open on 29 August until 9 September will feature 20 sports and will showcase more than 4,200 athletes from around 160 countries.