PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

VISTA Conference Announced
Bonn, Germany - Today, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that the fifth VISTA Conference will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from 22 to 26 March 2009. The Conference will follow the Chef de Mission Seminar for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, held in Vancouver from 19 to 21 March 2009.

IPC Athletes' Council Prepares for Election
Over the last weekend, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council (AC) met in Amman, Jordan, to discuss athlete-related topics on the agenda. While defining its strengths and opportunities during a strategic review session, the AC also discussed problems over the years and the threats that could be dealt with in the future.

Successful IPC Anti-Doping Programme
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is proud to announce that there were no anti-doping rule violations during the 2007/2008 IPC Alpine and Nordic Skiing World Cups. A total of 66 in-competition doping tests were conducted in both sports during the winter season 2007-2008.

First Co-ordination Commission Visit to Sochi
Bonn, Germany - Today, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded its first visit to the Russian host city.

Forum in Doha Focused on Sport for Persons with a Disability
The city of Doha (Qatar) recently hosted the third Annual International Forum on Children with Special Needs.

IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup on ParalympicSport.TV
The Alpine Skiing season has come to an end. Before the summer starts, it’s time to take a break and have a look at this year’s action around the globe!

IPC Medical Director Attends FIMS Meeting
In April 2008, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Medical and Scientific Director Dr. Peter Van de Vliet was invited by the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) FIMS to attend the FIMS Executive Committee meeting in Hong Kong, China, to present current IPC initiatives in the area of Medical Services and Sports Medicine/Sports Science.

Beijing Repair Service Provided by Otto Bock
The Otto Bock HealthCare, worldwide partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), is the official repair service provider of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games for prosthetics and wheelchairs. The contract between Otto Bock and BOCOG safeguards the more than 4,000 athletes expected to compete in September.