“When there is a goal and a desire to reach this goal, then victory is almost certain.”

Those are the words of former Paralympian, Mikhail Terentiev, whose “drive to win” in sport will now be applied to the challenges he faces in his new role as Director of Paralympic Winter Games for the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee.

During his whirlwind career as a Biathlon and Nordic Skiing athlete, Mr. Terentiev proved he has what it takes to achieve his goals, winning a gold medal at both the World Championships in 1996 and the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, USA.

And having recently been awarded an order from the Russian Federation for his outstanding contributions to develop the statehood of the fatherland, he is determined to make the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games stand apart from all others.

In an interview, Mr. Terentiev spoke to The Paralympian about the development of the Games, the integration of the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the challenge of catering for the rapid growth of the Paralympic Movement.

During the first phase of the preparations, Mr. Terentiev has already begun to address a number of issues related to accessibility and inclusion, highlighting that this would not be achieved if the city infrastructures of Sochi were not “facilitated and reformed”.

He said: “Education programmes are planned for the general public and especially for young people to foster understanding about inclusion, equal opportunities and engagement in the Paralympic Movement.” Mr. Terentiev will also be overseeing the promotion of the Paralympic Brand, which he described as the “bridge that links sport with social awareness, challenging stereotypes and inspiring understanding.”

When asked measures were being taken to accommodate for the increasing profile and growing demands of the Paralympic Movement, Mr. Terentiev said the Games would draw upon the most advanced and innovative technologies in sport, management and operations. There will also be an emphasis on training specialized staff, who will be able to improve their skills at seminars, workshops and events, held during the six_ year period before the Games.

Showing a strong commitment to the integration of the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, he said: “Integration means to create the unique universal environment of equal opportunities for every spectator, visitor and participant of both multi_sport and multicultural events.

Russia has also adopted the Olympic and Paralympic Law, outlining changes in legislation, which will create the best conditions for the preparation and organization of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to Mr. Tetentiev, the Paralympic Games, expected to reflect Russia’s cultural traditions and well_ known hospitality, are ahead of schedule with the establishment of a powerful administration. And construction work has already started on some of the key venues. Referring to the International Paralympic Committee’s first visit to Moscow in December 2007, Mr. Terentiev said: “Close partnership with the IPC has also started with the knowledge of transfer processes.”

He added: “The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games will serve as a catalyst for the social and economic development of the Sochi region and all of Russia, helping to drive positive change across multiple areas of social life, including the integration of people with a disability, environmental awareness, corporate transparency and accountability.

The Paralympic Games will help reinforce these values in a society currently enjoying an economic and political renaissance.”

More information on www.sochi2014.com.