A Synergized Paralympics Say Hello to Beijing

The decision, the agreement, the extension and the association. The confusion? The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) continues to inspire and bring an inherent excitement within each of us that cannot be denied. This excitement is independent of which part of the world you might be living in at the moment. What does seem to bring about questions is the connection to the Olympics. The event is after all taking place in Beijing.

Since 1960, the Paralympic Games have always been held the same year as the Olympic Games. The venues, however, were not corresponding until the Seoul Paralympic Games in 1988 and the Tignes-Albertville Paralympic Winter Games in 1992. For years thereafter the Paralympics and Olympics continued to be held at the same time and the same place.

The dawn of a new century brought on the dawn of a new commonality. In 2000, a co-operation was outlined between the IPC and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with principles defining a continued association. One year later, in June 2001, an agreement was then signed between the two entities to secure and protect the organization of the Paralympic Games. This of course also included the city bidding process, wherein the Paralympics would automatically be part of each city’s bid for the Olympics.

Further milestones thereafter saw an adjustment and extension to the agreement. The Organizing Committees for the Olympic and Paralympic Games from 2008 until 2016 would respectively deal with the marketing rights and financing in connection with the Paralympics.

The entire process is a strong eight years in the making. These eight years have been filled with agreements and meetings and proposals and outcomes, all agreed upon, however, yet to be proven.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games mark the first year, according to the agreement, wherein the Paralympic Games will indeed take place shortly after the Olympic Games using the same sports’ venues and facilities. Audiences will notice a much higher profile event in all areas, witnessing exactly what has been jointly set in motion. The contributors and supporters of the Games will watch as the extensive preparation and revision come together.

At the moment, on-the-ground actual results have been impressive growth and care taken in the planning for the Paralympics. Essentially, a motivated Beijing has ever-positively expressed its determination in making 2008 not only something that follows a regulation, but rather an experience that follows IPC’s vision to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.

The agreement between IPC and IOC has provided a long-term look into future Games and planning that does not end with the Beijing Games. Vancouver, London and Sochi are cities which already are adhering to the eight-year endeavour, hoping to follow in the success of Beijing. They are demonstrating how even though this positive collective and collaborative process continues to be compacted with solid responsibilities, they welcome the challenges ahead.

The decision, the agreement, the extension and the association. It is the realization of these significant events that ultimately will shed light on the subject.