National Paralympic Day
Paralympic medalists, artists, and performers will return to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to celebrate National Paralympic Day on September 7.
The celebration will mark the anniversary of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The free event will feature street theater, outdoor dance, mass choreography, visual arts, live music, film and food. The Voice winner, and partially blind singer, Andrea Begley will make a special appearance.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "London's Paralympic Games were astonishingly successful, with superb medal-winning performances by our brilliant athletes. But they also transformed the way we think about disability.
"This will be a fantastic opportunity to see some of those world-beating athletes in action once again."
Artistic Director Jenny Sealey will co-choreograph a performance for the event entitled "The Limbless Knight." She formerly co-directed performances during last year’s Paralympic opening ceremony.
"This year, more than ever before, our visibility is crucial to remind people of the ongoing battle we have to hold onto our rights, independence, and dignity," Sealey said.
Mayor Johnson, The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), and the British Paralympic Association will organize the event.
Baku secures the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games
After key representatives pleaded their case, Baku was unanimously awarded the right to host the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017.
The vote took place at the 8th General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), which was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from July 21 to 25.
"This is the beginning of a highly important period for the sporting culture of our nation," said Dr. Chingiz Huseynzada, Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan. "After our success in securing the 2015 European Games, the hosting of the 4th ISG in 2017 will make another important contribution to our standing both in the Muslim and international communities. We are a strong Islamic nation and are committed to helping and inspiring our friends around the world."
It was a big week for Dr. Huseynzada, who was re-elected Vice-President of the ISSF for the next four years. Also at the assembly, Konul Nurullayeva became the first woman ever elected to the executive committee of the ISSF.
Spain Celebrates BCN 2013 Success
Spain’s national synchronized swimming team celebrated their success at the 15th FINA World Championships in Barcelona.
Alejandro Blanco, the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, praised the team members as they celebrated in Palau Sant Jordi.
"The quality you have shown is a guarantee of the future success of Spanish synchronized swimming, success that we also hope to celebrate in Madrid at the 2020 Games," said Blanco as he joined the athletes.
"These medals have cemented the international status that our synchronized swimming team enjoys," added Blanco.
During the event, the synchronized swimming team won seven out of the eight medals for Spain at BCN 2013.
Vladimir Potanin Foundation Distributes RIOU Scholarships
The Vladimir Potanin Foundation’s Expert Council has selected the first 20 recipients who will receive the 2013-2014 Russian International Olympic University scholarship.
Recipients of the scholarship will undergo RIOU’s Master of Sport Administration programme, which is the first high level sport management course in Russia.
Larisa Zelkova, the Vladimir Potanin Foundation Director General, believes that the students will undertake a unique and challenging first-hand experience.
"We are confident that RIOU will become a centre of training for a new generation of sports managers; not only for Russian students but for students from all nations that respect the Olympic values," said Zelkova.
Lev Belousov, the director of RIOU, added:
"The Foundation’s generous scholarships will enable students of RIOU to use this knowledge to evolve their careers and develop their countries’ sports industries."
Written by Nicole Bennett and Nick Devlin.
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