Final Co-ordination Commission Visit to Vancouver
27.08.2009
The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010 paid its ninth and final visit to Vancouver, Canada, from 25-26 August.
The two days of successful meetings saw the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee (VANOC) presenting its progress as it looks to stage spectacular Winter Games next year. Rita Van Driel, IPC’s representative to the Commission as well as IPC Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez were also in attendance.
"With just under seven months to go until the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games, the Committee has proven that they are ready to put on an event like never before,” Ms. Van Driel said. “Vancouver will offer athletes a unique Paralympic winter sporting experience that will be most memorable for everyone involved.”
As this was the final meeting of the Commission, the project was examined from a global perspective, as well as regarding areas such as Spectator Services, Sport, Marketing, Media Operations, Technology, Transport, Venues and Ticketing.
Action items for the Paralympic Games Working Group included topics in the areas of Sustainability, Broadcasting, Torch Relay, Transportation, Licensing and Look. Within each topic, discussions of key issues along with various decisions were carried out. Some of those key issues included VANOC providing an overview of the Games-time Licensing programme with locations and product development, a presentation of competition and non-competition venue designs, a confirmation of Paralympic Torch Relay dates as well as stops across Canada and British Columbia.
The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 12-21 March 2010, with approximately 600 athletes from 45 countries expected to compete in five sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling.
For more information about the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, please visit www.vancouver2010.com