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

Lausanne, 15 June 2001 - The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, and the president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Dr. Steadward, will sign an Agreement on the organisation of the Paralympic Games on 19 June 2001 in Lausanne.

The Agreement is aimed at securing and protecting the organisation of the Paralympic Games, and shall be in effect for 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 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.

When:

Tuesday, 19 June 2001 – 12:30

Where:

IOC Headquarters - Lobby

CH - 1007 Lausanne

Tél.: (41.21) 621 6111

Fax: (41.21) 621 6216

Contact:

Media representatives willing to attend the event are kindly asked to confirm their attendance to the IOC Department of Communications: tel. (41.21) 621 61 11, fax (41.21) 621 63 56 and announce on arrival.