POSTED: Wednesday April 29th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sochi 2014 showcases Paralympic excellence during first International Paralympic Committee Project Review

Sochi 2014 presented two major programmes to the IPC

 
29 April 2009 – The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today completed its first Project Review of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, with the Organizing Committee showcasing the strong progress being made in their Paralympic preparations.
 
During a series of high-level meetings in Russia, five representatives from the IPC, including IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez, received an overview about Sochi 2014’s 37 functional areas that will ensure the delivery of an inspirational, accessible first Paralympic Winter Games in Russia and further the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality in Russia and internationally.
 
During the meetings, Sochi 2014 presented two major programmes to the IPC aiming on changing attitudes towards people living with a disability in Russia. One landmark activity agreed to help achieve this is a ‘Paralympic  Day’, which will see Sochi 2014 and the IPC partner to celebrate Paralympism in cities across Russia  in December 2009.
 
Another key element will be fully integrating the Sochi 2014 Volunteer Programme into Paralympic Games preparation, which will see volunteers trained specially to provide maximum support for athletes and visitors with a disability.
 
The second major programme focuses on creating an environment without barriers, with Sochi becoming an accessible and barrier-free city for the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and beyond.
 
Sochi 2014 demonstrated significant progress during the IPC Project Review. This included highlighting major success in marketing for the Paralympic Winter Games, announcing that Rosneft, one of the world’s leading oil companies, has invested USD 25 million to become the first Official Partner of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. This partnership already exceeds the commitments Sochi 2014 made for Paralympic sponsorship revenue in its Candidature File.
 
Sochi 2014 has announced that sports apparel to Russia’s Paralympic teams at the Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Games will be provided by the Organizing Committee. This commitment to support Paralympic Sport and promote the values of Paralympism is further reflected by the direct participation in the IPC Project Review of two Deputy Prime Ministers of the Russian Government, Dmitry Kozak and Alexander Zhukov.
 
“The meeting with the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee was a great opportunity to get an update on the current Paralympic Winter Games preparations. Having discussions and exchanging ideas at this early stage helps to build a common understanding of the Paralympic project and clarifies expectations. The Paralympic Games in Russia are a great opportunity to further develop Paralympic sports and we are pleased with the work done by Sochi 2014 so far”, said CEO Gonzalez.
 
Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, commented:
 
“The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games are a key national priority for Russia. While our core focus is to ensure preparations are fully on track for an inspirational Winter Games, Sochi 2014 gives us an incredible opportunity to reach every heart to promote the Paralympic ideals and change attitudes towards people with a disability in Russia.
 
“We are already seeing major positive changes taking place in this regard, including enhanced accessibility and equality, but through Sochi 2014 we can do more and we are showcasing that this week to the International Paralympic Committee experts.”The IPC delegation met with key officials from the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee; the Government of the Russian Federation; the Russian Paralympic Committee and the Olympstroy State Corporation. 
 

Key areas of discussion included venue development; transport; marketing and communications; education; technology and the Sochi 2014 Paralympic legacy, which aims to bring lasting social and sporting benefits to more than 13 million people with a disability in Russia alone.

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Keywords · Sochi 2014 · IPC · paralympics

Name: Xenia Reizhevskaya
Organization: Sochi 2014
Email:
Phone: +7 (495) 984 2014
URL: http://www.sochi2014.com

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