International Paralympic Committee ´encouraged with progress´ following two day
Project Review meeting
Brazilian Paralympic Committee President joins Rio 2016 as Chair of Paralympic
Integration Committee
The Rio 2016 Organsing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games has announced
the appointment of Andrew Parsons, Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) President and
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Vice President, to serve in a voluntary position as
Chair of Rio 2016´s newly formed Paralympic Integration Committee.
The appointment was announced during a positive and productive two day IPC Project
Review, which took place on 13 – 14 May at the Rio 2016 Headquarters in Cidade Nova, Rio
de Janeiro. During the meeting Rio 2016 presented progress on all key operational areas of
the 2016 Paralympic Games project, including sport, venues, accommodation, transport and
ticketing.
In his role as Chair of the Paralympic Integration Committee, Parsons will bring together the
Paralympic specific elements of each functional area within Rio 2016 on a monthly basis to
find solutions to any issues that arise and to ensure the Paralympic Games remain fully
integrated across the Rio 2016 project.
Parsons becomes the first official Rio 2016 Pioneer Volunteer as part of a programme
designed to find skilled volunteers dedicated to working within the Rio 2016 Organising
Committee.
Carlos Nuzman, Rio 2016 President said: "We are very happy that Andrew has accepted our
invitation to work even closer together to make the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games a success.
There is no one else in Brazil, and very few people in the world, with Andrew’s level of
knowledge and expertise on Paralympic sports and the Paralympic Games.
"He will provide us with very valuable input to our decision making process and can
mobilise his extensive network of contacts to support our preparations. We look forward to
this next stage of collaboration with one of the biggest champions of our project."
Andrew Parsons, IPC Vice President & CPB President said: "I’m delighted to be appointed
Chair of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Integration Committee and it is a great honour for me to be
involved even more in the organisation of South America’s first Paralympic Games.
"The 2016 Paralympic Games have the potential to transform this region and the lives of
millions of people. I am looking forward to working with the great team already established
within the Organising Committee to deliver a global showcase of sport that will build on the
success of London 2012."
Xavier Gonzalez, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: "The appointment of Andrew Parsons as
the Chair of the Paralympic Integration Committee underlines how committed the
Organising Committee is to delivering a high quality Paralympic Games.
"Andrew has an extensive knowledge of the Paralympic Movement, not just in Brazil in his
role as President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, but also globally as IPC Vice
President. He is a great networker who is extremely well respected by all stakeholders in
Brazil. He will be an asset to the Organising Committee."
Commenting on the outcomes from the two day Project Review meeting Gonzalez added:
"The issues with the construction of some of the venues are well documented however
there is now a plan in place to address the situation. Overall, we are encouraged with the
progress being made by the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and its partners who appear
determined to deliver the best Paralympic Games they possibly can.
"They are moving forward in all areas. The local government is doing a lot to improve
accessibility in the city ahead of the Games, making many kilometres of pavements and
tourist attractions accessible for all. This is a direct consequence of Rio staging the
Paralympic Games and will leave a lasting legacy for Rio residents and visitors once the
Games close in September 2016.
"We leave Rio with a positive feeling that all is being done to deliver a highly successful
Paralympic Games in 2016."
The IPC Project Review meeting followed the first National Paralympic Committees (NPC)
Open Day which took place last week and saw Rio 2016 host representatives from 17 NPCs
from all five continents.
For further information:
Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
www.rio2016.com
mediarelations@rio2016.com / Tel: (+55 21) 2016-5320
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