IOC Co-ordination Commission Visits London

Following three days of successful meetings, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games concluded its sixth visit to the future host city.

Taking place from 6-8 July, representing the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was IOC Co-ordination Commission member Patrick Jarvis who is also a member of the IPC Governing Board. Also in attendance were Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez and Paralympic Games Senior Manager Thanos Kostopoulos.

In the Paralympic working group, the London 2012 Organizing Committee (LOCOG) presented updates on various areas, including city operations, integrated operational planning, transport, as well as the timelines for Paralympic accommodation. Additionally, brand and marketing topics were discussed including a Paralympic campaign plan.

Feedback from the public on the official Mascot of the London 2012 Paralympic Games was also presented and discussed, as well as their upcoming journey. The Paralympic Mascot, Mandeville, was launched to the world in May.

Said Patrick Jarvis, IPC Governing Board and IOC Co-ordination Commission member: "We had very productive meetings and are generally pleased with the progress in several areas. With Sainsbury’s as an exclusive Paralympic sponsor for example, LOCOG has had significant development around the Paralympic Games. Although numerous Games-related technical challenges still need to be addressed, I have complete faith that these and other issues will be navigated by the Organizing Committee in collaboration with the IPC, promising a most spectacular Paralympic Games in 2012.”

The next IOC Co-ordination Commission in London will take place from 17-19 November 2010. This is the second year that the Commission will be in London twice in the same year. In the first three years of preparations the Commission visited only once each year.