CGF/IPC Cooperation Agreement Supports Elite Athletes With a Disability
Following the successful inclusion of a number of EAD events in both Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006, the IPC has proposed, and the CGF Executive board has accepted, that the number of medal events will be increased for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games to fifteen across four sports. In Melbourne, there were 12 events.
The cooperation agreement outlines the strong relationship between the ICP and the CGF.
The agreement recognises the IPC as the organisation for overseeing the coordination and delivery of the Commonwealth Games EAD sports program and commits both organisations to work together in supporting the growth of the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games movements.
The IPC has agreed that the EAD medal events program in future Games will reflect some events that offer opportunities based on the universal demographics of the Commonwealth (in terms of gender equity and regional representation) and others that showcase the extraordinary competitive skill and excitement of elite athletes with a disability, but may be limited to certain regions.
“It was important to have a process that would look to ensure that the Commonwealth’s best were represented at Games time.” Mr Hooper said.
“There is no doubt that the IPC is best positioned to advise the CGF on this and we look forward to working with them for the development of EAD sports in the Commonwealth.”
At the Delhi 2010 Games, Athletics and Swimming will see three men’s and three women’s events. This represents an increase in swimming from the previous level of two events per gender. Final event selection will not occur until January 31, 2009 to ensure that the events chosen reflect the most popular and prominent events for the Commonwealth.
Following the success of the Men’s Powerlifting (bench press) at the past two Games, women’s Bench-Press Open has now been added. It is believed the women’s medal event will contribute greatly to the excitement of the sport program as well as achieve greater gender equity and regional representation.
Women’s singles (wheelchair) table tennis returns to the Games program in Delhi.
Ian Chesterman
CGF Media Services Manager
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For further information, please contact CGF Media Services manager, Ian Chesterman, on +61 417 530 902 or mailto:ianchesterman@sportcom.com.au
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