PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Sochi Focuses on Accessibility Legacy
Deputies from Russia’s State Duma and representatives of leading public organizations recently discussed Russia’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, in preparation for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. The meeting demonstrates the intensive work being brought into Russia’s national legislation toward further alignment with international standards.

Rehabilitation Congress Brings Innovation to Amsterdam
The fourth International State-of-the-art Congress for “Rehabilitation: Mobility, Exercise & Sports” (7-9 April), brought experts from all around the world to the Vrije University in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Adaptive Sports Centre in Whistler Obtains Grant
The Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation recently announced a grant of US$ 150,000 toward the “Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler-Blackcomb”, which is part of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Programme (WASP).

IBSA General Assembly Elects Executive Committee
The eighth International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) General Assembly took place this past weekend in Antalya, Turkey, ending with the election of a new Executive Committee for the work period 2009-2013.

Open Survey Pushes London 2012 Accessibility
A major survey has been commissioned to improve accessibility in London for all people with and without a disability, for the purpose of creating the most inclusive Paralympic Games in 2012.

First Stop on 2016 Evaluation Commission Tour
On 7 April, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games finished its official site inspections in Chicago, USA.