IOC AND IPC SIGN AGREEMENT ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE PARALYMPIC GAMES

Lausanne, 19 June 2001 - The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, and the president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Dr. Robert Steadward, signed today in Lausanne an Agreement on the organisation of the Paralympic Games.

The Agreement is aimed at securing and protecting the organisation of the Paralympic Games, and shall be in effect from the 2008 Paralympic Games and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. It addresses the general scope and organisation of the Paralympic Games, with the aim of creating similar principles for the organisation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The Paralympic Games have become an established and extremely successful event in the world of international sport. Working more closely with the IOC in the future will enhance the quality and the worldwide recognition of the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games”, said the IPC President.

“Today is an important day for the Olympic Movement. This Agreement is the result of many years of close relationship between the IOC and the IPC. Its aim is to secure the organisation of the Paralympic Games with full integration of both organising committees and financial guarantee” said the IOC President.

The signing of this Agreement follows the signing in October 2000, on the occasion of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, of a Cooperation Agreement which outlined the principles of the further relationships between the two organisations, and represents a significant development in the IOC's support for sport for athletes with disabilities.

The Agreement reaffirms that the Paralympic Games, which are the world games for athletes with a disability, always take place shortly after the Olympic Games, using the same sporting venues and facilities.