Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko revealed Friday that Russia would celebrate its inaugural Paralympic Day in December 2009. He made the announcement while joining influential leaders in sport and government from across the world in Bonn, Germany to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said a press release.
During the event Chernyshenko showcased Sochi 2014’s commitment to deliver an innovative and barrier-free Paralympic Games.
Chernyshenko said, “it is wonderful to be in the presence of so many people who have made such a tremendous contribution to the Paralympic Movement. There are 13 million people with a disability in Russia today, and it is both my personal commitment, and the goal of every member of the Organizing Committee, that the Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 will help change their lives”.
He added, “the Sochi Games will significantly enhance recognition of the role which people with disabilities play in society, and will leave a legacy of understanding and fully-accessible modern facilities for Sochi and for the world”.
During the event Chernyshenko outlined how Sochi 2014 is leading the way in delivering an accessible Russia for all to enjoy. He outlined that all Olympic and Paralympic venues, regional transport vehicles, infrastructure and information services will be fully accessible to people with disabilities by 2014.
