London Latest - IPC Chief on Cameron Visit; Olympic Closure of The Mall

IPC Chief on Cameron Visit

International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven lauds British Prime Minister David Cameron’s support of the 2012 Paralympics.

Craven visited the PM as part of the final 2012 IOC Coordination Commission visit to London on Wednesday.

"The British government has always been extremely supportive of the Paralympic Games and it was pleasing to hear Mr. Cameron talk about how the Games are helping to improve accessibility in the capital and the importance of Paralympians in helping to deliver London 2012's legacy, especially in terms of inclusion," Craven said in a statement.

The IPC said it was briefed on plans for the Paralympic Games closing ceremony, scheduled for September 9.

"What LOCOG has planned for the Closing Ceremony is extremely impressive," IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez said.

"I must congratulate all the team involved as what they are creating is nothing short of spectacular.

"The Closing Ceremony will certainly be memorable and definitely an event not to be missed."

On Monday, the IPC also announced two programs that will be held in conjunction with the 2012 Games.

The first is what the IPC calls its Games Experience Program, scheduled for Sept. 3 to 5.

According to the IPC, the program "will give governments from around the world and those involved in the Paralympic Games supply chain a greater understanding of the complexities involved in delivering the second biggest sporting event in the world."

And from Sept. 6 to 8, the IPC Academy Inclusion Summit will take place at the UK Business Embassy's Lancaster House in Central London.

The summit brings together business and government leaders with the Paralympic Movement to discuss inclusion and accessibility.

"We have seen growing interest in the Paralympic Games in recent years and it is our aim to provide more opportunities for people to engage with the Paralympic Movement at all levels," Gonzalez said.

"These programs are an exciting and natural additionto our Games schedule and we warmly welcome anyone interested to participate in the programs, engage with the content and be inspired by what the Paralympic Movement brings."

Adidas Unveils Australian Uniforms

Australian athletes will compete in London in what they claim are their lightest and fastest uniforms ever.

Several Olympians including sprinter Sally Pearson and swimmers Jess Schipper and Cate Campbell recently sported the new uniforms designed by adidas.

"In the Olympic games every tenth of a second counts so I feel confident knowing my sprint suit and spikes have been designed with the world leading technology to give me the edge I need over mycompetitors," said Pearson.

adidas says it designed the uniforms with its latest technology, creating footwear that is 25 percent lighter than the footwear worn at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Our athletes will be representing the nation in front of a global audience so we wanted to ensure they are the best equipped team through a combination of leading technologies," adidas’ head of sports marketing for Australia Cam Baranski said.

Olympic Closure of The Mall

Preparations for the 2012 Olympics will close The Mall for three months to motorists and pedestrians.

The London Evening Standard reports that the area will be shut down from early June to the end of September, thanks to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Games.

"We have reluctantly concluded that it won't be possible to get traffic down The Mall whilst they are building and the (Games) are in operation as it is a secure zone," said Peter Hendy, head of Transport for London.

One of the main reasons for the closure is the many vehicles delivering 20,000 tonnes of sand for the beach volleyball arena. The area will also be used for marathon, walking and cycling events.

Written by Ann Cantrell and Ed Hula III.

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