Paralympians Say Rio 2016 Has Exceeded Expectations

(ATR) The newest additions to the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council say they haven’t heard any grumblings about the organization of the Rio Games.

"I haven’t heard anything from the Games and everyone I’ve talked to says the venues are really good," Monica Bascio of the United States tells Around the Rings. "I’d like to applaud the organizers and really commend the volunteer staff."

Bascio is one of four Paralympians added to the IPC Athletes' Council Saturday along with Chelsey Gotell of Canada, Sarah Storey of Great Britain and Kurt Fearnley of Australia. Elvira Stinissen of the Netherlands and Gizem Girismen of Turkey also maintained their positions on the council.

The six athletes were chosen by their peers at the Rio 2016 Paralympics with more than 50 percent of the athletes participating in the vote. There were 22 candidates in the running.

Chairperson of the Athletes’ Council Todd Nicholson says that the voting participation surpassed that of the London 2012 Paralympics.

"We had 22 candidates running for six positions and to me that shows how our athletes want to become more active and participate in the Paralympic Movement," Nicholson says.

Gotell is keen about "being a voice" for her fellow Paralympians and says she will not take the position lightly. She also echoed Bascio’s comments about the experience in Rio and added that the athlete services at the Games have been "top notch".

"Everything I’ve heard from other athletes has been very positive," she tells ATR. "It’s been exceptional and I think the athlete services have been great."

Gotell says the multitude of concerns preceding the Rio Games also helped improve those services.

Although each agree the services at Rio have exceeded expectations, Bascio and Gotell say there is still work that needs to be done to ensure athletes have the best possible experience.

"From my personal experience one thing I think we need improved is to have people closer together," says Bascio.

"I think a lot can still be done to improve the classification system," says Gotell.

Nicholson says he expects the voice of the athletes to continue to grow at each Paralympics.

"We want to improve the lines of communications and start hearing a lot more from athletes," says Nicholson. "We want to ensure athletes have opportunities to gather at competitions."

Written by Kevin Nutley in Rio de Janeiro.

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