IPC Says IOC Relationship Remains Unchanged

(ATR) International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven says he did not notice a change in relations with the IOC after banning the Russian Paralympic team from Rio 2016.

Craven told Around the Rings in his first press conference of Rio 2016 that the IOC remains the IPC’s "most valued partner," even after the fallout from the decision. The IPC president said he spoke with his IOC counterpart Thomas Bach during the Olympics and said the discussions yielded mutual respect.

On Aug. 7, the IPC announced the decision to exclude Russia from the 2016 Paralympics after uncovering widespread evidence of a state sponsored doping system. The IPC said the evidence showed a clear violation of the Paralympic doping-code.

Criteria to allow for Russian inclusion in future Paralympic events will be determined after Rio 2016.

"I didn’t notice any frosting of a relationship once I spoke with Bach," Craven said. "The official line was we recognize your decision and we as the IPC recognize theirs."

Craven acknowledged that he received shows of support from many fellow IOC members following the decision, while other members of the Olympic family were not as pleased. Craven said he wished for those who disagreed with the IPC’s decision to "better come and see me."

In June the IOC and IPC signed a memorandum of understanding keeping the Olympics and Paralympics linked through 2032.

Paralympic Park Signage Coming

Rio 2016 is scrambling to make the Paralympic Park look the part ahead of the 2016 Opening Ceremony.

A casual stroll through the park by ATR showed a lack of Paralympic-branded signage compared to the Olympic Games weeks earlier. There was no evidence of the Paralympic logo on venues, or in spots for spectators to take pictures in front of in the park.

Recently, a logo was installed on Copacabana Beach, similar to when the Olympic Rings were displayed there.

Rio 2016 Communications Director Mario Andrada told ATR that the signage was arriving later today, and would be there for the first day of competition.

"There is more to be done and more to appear as we move forward later today," Andrada said. "We are improving look, but at the same time we did make some cuts in look back in the beginning of the year."

Bach’s Absence an "Unfortunate Situation"

IPC president Philip Craven says he received a letter from the IOC president two days ago saying he would be attending the memorial services of his friend and former West German President Walter Scheel.

"It is true that the IOC president has been present at each opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games going back to before I can remember so it’s an unfortunate situation," Craven says.

Craven did note that the IOC would be represented by Sam Ramsamy at the opening ceremony and that’s it is not unusual for the IOC president to only attend the first few days of the Paralympics.

"He’s got a hell of a job to do, so normally the IOC president doesn’t come towards the end of the Games."

IPC Nearing Ticket Goal

The IPC says the Paralympic opening ceremony tonight will help bolster ticket sales that have risen to more than 1.6 million.

Theceremony will take place at the Maracana Stadium at 6:15 pm local timein front of a sold out crowd. Rio 2016 spokesperson Mario Andrada says2,000 more tickets are now available for the ceremony that will seek totransform perceptions about the differences between able and disabledwith the theme "Everybody Has a Heart".

Craven says the goal is to sell 2.4 million tickets and that an average of 60,000 are being sold each day.

"Thecrowds coming for these games and the spectators all around the worldis where transformation happens," says IPC president Craven. "I’mtalking about everybody in the world, when you’re inspired to dosomething by someone else you get out and do it. We are proud that weare the most important international sporting event in the world thatcan enact social change."

Comoros and Liberia Withdraw

IPC communications director Craig Spence tells reporters that the delegations of Comoros and Liberia pulled out of the Paralympics this morning. The IPC does not know why the countries withdrew but is seeking more information.

Despite the withdrawals, the Games will feature 4,342 athletes and the most female athletes in any Paralympics – 12 percent more than at London 2012. Spence says there are also 39 more countries competing in Rio than in London.

Written by Aaron Bauer and Kevin Nutley in Rio de Janeiro.

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