Beijing 2008 Stresses Full Support for Paralympics

Bonn, Germany - From 24 to 26 October, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games visited Beijing, China, for the seventh time.

During the visit, the Commission examined the progress of the work of the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee (BOCOG). Approaching Games time, the Commission meetings were taking a more client oriented approach and thus looked at services for athletes, media, etc.

A working group dedicated to the Paralympic Games addressed the Paralympic specific aspects and needs of the participants in the Paralympic Games. These discussions were complemented by a tour to various competition venues and concluded with today's plenary session, which underlined the remarkable progress that has been made.

Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and IPC representative to the IOC Co-ordination Commission, commented: "I am delighted with the overall progress of BOCOG, especially for the Paralympic Games. During this visit the BOCOG leadership stressed its full support to the Paralympic Games, which is also reflected in a number of important steps that have been made. The great promotion through the launch of the Paralympic mascot and the continuous effort regarding the accessibility around the Games and the city are only some examples in that respect."

The IPC will continue its close collaboration with BOCOG now entering the critical final phase of venue planning and testing.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will take place from 6 to 17 September 2008, with around 4,000 athletes from 160 countries competing in 20 sports.