PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

On 11 July, at the same day that the International Paralympic Day (IPD) will take place in Berlin, Germany, Paralympic fans can experience the excitement of Paralympic winter sports in Whistler, Canada.

Bonn/Berlin, Germany - The fourth installment of the International Paralympic Day (IPD) is just eight days away, and athletes and fans alike are counting down with great anticipation for the major event.

Bonn, Germany – The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced today that it has renewed its global working relationship with Edelman as its Official Media & Communications Agency.

In a nod to Canada’s most widely recognized symbol and in the build up to Canada Day 2009 celebrations across the country, the maple leaf has pride of place on the Official Posters of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, unveiled yesterday in Ottawa by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Canadian athletes.

Bonn, Germany - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board (GB) concluded its 53rd official gathering in Whistler, Canada, from 26-28 June, which followed the recent IPC Project Review in neighbouring Vancouver.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) completed its fourth official Project Review of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in the host city last week from 23-25 June, disclosing various strategies which are being carried out and implemented to assure success next March.

Vancouver, Canada - Three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished on the West Coast, a new flame will light in Canada’s national capital, Ottawa, sparking the official start and inspirational journey of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay on 3 March 2010. The 10-day inspirational journey will illuminate the extraordinary achievements of Paralympians and celebrate the endless possibilities of the human spirit through sharing the message of courage and determination embodied by the flame.

All four 2016 Candidate Cities were in Lausanne, Switzerland, last week from 17-18 June for a briefing session presenting their bid once more to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

An unprecedented 50 hours of high definition (HD) television coverage in both English and French languages is on tap for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Bonn, Germany - From 18 June to 19 August 2009, the photo exhibition "Spirit in Motion – A Paralympic Photo Exhibition" is on display in the foyer of the City Hall in Bonn, Germany.

Bonn/Berlin – With 11 July just over three weeks away, partners for the International Paralympic Day (IPD) are preparing to make an impact in Berlin, Germany, where this major event will be taking place.

The Otto Bock Science Centre Medical Technology opened to several hundred guests yesterday, 16 June, in Berlin, Germany, showcasing unique technology to the world.

Bonn, Germany - Brazilian swimmer Daniel Dias is the winner of the 2009 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award. The award was presented by Laureus World Sports Academy members Sebastian Coe and Edwin Moses in East London, Great Britain.

The first Co-ordination Commission for the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games took place in Guangzhou, China, on 10 June.