Andrew Parsons appointed to Rio 2016 role as successful IPC Project Review concludes

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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