IOC and IPC sign agreement extension until 2020

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today signed an extension to their current agreement, which will continue to see the IOC support the IPC and the Paralympic Games through to 2020. The present accord, which runs through to 2016, will now be extended to the Winter Games in PyeongChang in 2018 and the Summer Games in 2020 respectively.

The extension of the agreement continues in the same vein as the previous document signed in 2006, and underlines the IOC’s continued support for the IPC and commitment to help ensure the Paralympic Games’ long-term future. This support includes not only an increased financial contribution from the IOC but also the systematic inclusion of the IPC in a wide range of programmes and activities such as IF development, Olympic Solidarity and Transfer of Knowledge, and greater cooperation in the areas of event planning and delivery.

IOC President Jacques Rogge commented on the signing of the agreement: “The IOC and the IPC have had a long and strong relationship, and it is with great pleasure that that we are able to extend this agreement with the IPC and ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games continue to be held in the same host cities until 2020.” He added, "Our continued financial support to the Paralympics shows that the Olympic Movement is universal and also indicates the importance that the Paralympic Games have in promoting sport to the youth of the world – one of the fundamental principles of Olympism.”

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “These two agreements are excellent news for the Paralympic Movement as we, and our members, can continue our growth secure in the knowledge that our Games will benefit from using the same venues, infrastructure and levels of detailed planning as the Olympic Games.” He continued: “We are grateful to the IOC for its continued and growing support. Without it, the Paralympic Games would not have grown to the superb sporting spectacle they are today. By working together over the coming years, we can continue to deliver a 60-day global celebration of sport. Not only are we reaping the benefits of fully integrated Organising Committees now, but also all Candidate Cities are fully integrating the Paralympics into their bids, which is hugely beneficial to the Paralympic Movement.”

The Paralympic Games have always been held in the same year as the Olympic Games. Since the Seoul Summer Games (1988) and the Albertville Winter Games (1992), they have also taken place at the same venues as the Olympic Games. On 19 June 2001, an agreement was signed between the IOC and the IPC aiming to secure and protect the organisation of the Paralympic Games. The agreement reaffirmed that the Paralympic Games, from 2008 on, would always take place shortly after the Olympic Games, using the same sports venues and facilities. From the 2012 bid process onwards, the host city chosen to host the Olympic Games has been requested to host the Paralympics as well.