PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

New London 2012 Athletes' Village Designs Unveiled
The latest legacy designs for the London 2012 Athletes’ Village were released by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and Lend Lease last week, together with new images showing the good progress being made on construction work on site.

Record Number of Doping Tests Conducted in Beijing
Bonn, Germany - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) officially announces that only three anti-doping rule violations occurred during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. All three were in the sport of Powerlifting and happened before competitions began. Because there was no anti-doping rule violation in-competition, the IPC feels the Games to be still a successful showing and of fair competition.

Whistle-Stop Tour Promotes Vancouver 2010
On schedule, and ahead of schedule, the Canadian Pacific Spirit Train arrived at the Sinclair Park Community Centre in Winnipeg today in promotion of the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Anne Ebbs Honoured with Paralympic Order
On 4 October, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) awarded Anne Ebbs with the Paralympic Order for the contribution she has made to the Paralympic Movement. She was presented with the award by IPC President Sir Philip Craven during a private ceremony in Dublin, Ireland.

Third Paralympic School Day in Spain with Beijing 2008 Athletes
The return of three Spanish athletes to their home in Sitges, Spain, saw the welcomed reception of more than 200 eager children, ages 8 to 12. Abderrahman Ait, Sarai Gascon and Roger Puigbo arrived in the spirit of teaching, explaining the various experiences they each had at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Composition of 2016 Evaluation Commission Announced
The Evaluation Commission which will visit the four Candidate Cities bidding to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The team will be headed by Nawal El Moutawakel, who also chaired the 2012 bidding process. The full team will include representatives from the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, with additional advisors.