Preparations in Vancouver Well Underway

Bonn, Germany – With less than two years to go before the Opening of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission, including International Paralympic Committee (IPC) representative Rita van Driel, successfully concluded its sixth visit to Vancouver, the host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 29 Feb 2008 By IPC

“With less than 750 days to go, preparations for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games are well underway. Venue constructions and sports planning are progressing smoothly and I am glad to see that Paralympic planning is truly integrated.”

Following three days of positive meetings, the Commission discussed several areas, including sport, marketing and media services and looked closely at the progress made by the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee (VANOC).

Said Ms. Van Driel: “With less than 750 days to go, preparations for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games are well underway. Venue constructions and sports planning are progressing smoothly and I am glad to see that Paralympic planning is truly integrated.”

The visit to Vancouver also included a working group focusing on Paralympic specific issues. VANOC provided updates on various topics, including ticketing, Closing Ceremony and victory ceremonies, education and media operations. Furthermore, the Commission received an update of the plans for the celebration sites during the Paralympic Games in Whistler and Vancouver as well as confirmation of increasing interest of broadcaster warranties to maintain broadcastings facilities in both cities.

Other areas addressed and for which VANOC will need to present appropriate solutions in the near future include the accommodation of the Paralympic Family in Whistler.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be held from 12 to 21 March 2010, with approximately 650 athletes from 45 countries participating in five sports.