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| Xavier Gonzalez |
Attitudes towards people with a disability in Great Britain are
improving, according to an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) press
release. These findings were announced at a 3-day project review with the
London Organizing Committee held Sept. 20-22, 2010.
At the review, member of the IPC were updated on various areas of work
for the London 2012 Paralympics including research findings that show four in
10 people believe the Paralympic Games will bring a lasting breakthrough about
the way people with a disability are viewed in the UK.
The IPC was also informed that nearly 600,000 people have registered
their interest in buying Paralympic Games tickets, as well as a strong interest
in volunteer opportunities.
“With less than 2 years to go until the start of the London 2012
Paralympic Games it is really encouraging to learn that more people are taking
an interest in the Games and that attitudes towards people with a disability
are changing,” Xavier Gonzalez, IPC’s chief executive officer stated
in the release. “This has the potential to be one of the real legacies of
the Games in London. The key now is to build on this momentum and ensure that
the activity for the Paralympics going forward is differentiated from that of
the Olympics so that people understand the values of the Paralympic Movement
and the exciting sports they can see in 2012.”
The IPC group also received a tour of the various venues that will be
used to stage the 2012 Paralympics and the Paralympic Village.
“Overall, planning is very much on track for delivering a highly
successful Paralympic Games in 2012 and credit must be given to the London
Organizing Committee for their hard work,” Gonzalez stated. “During
our 3 days in London we shared a number of ideas and gave some constructive
feedback to the updates we were given. There is still much to be done between
now and Aug. 29, 2012 when the Paralympic Games start and we will continue to
work closely with all those involved to ensure that London delivers the best
possible Games.”
