The anticipation surrounding the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games intensified after a successful review was carried out into the progress made so far.

A delegation from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), including President Sir Philip Craven and CEO Xavier Gonzalez, visited Beijing in January to assess all aspects of the Games, which will take place from 6 to 17 September. During two days of meetings with the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee (BOCOG) and other officials, a number of topics were discussed, including venues, transportation, operations, marketing and promotion. Additional side meetings addressed issues related to anti_doping and classification, victory ceremonies, media, hospitality and sport entries.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will see several ‘Paralympic firsts’, including the international Torch Relay and a Paralympic Hospitality Programme. And due to the intense media interest in the Games, a record 3,500 international press and broadcast representatives are expected to cover the event. Tickets for the Games are also in hot demand, with 60% already sold. Said Sir Philip: “We have seen excellent progress in all areas of the Paralympic Games and our friends from BOCOG are well on track with the preparations. At this stage, it is critical to finalize the overlay in the venues and upgrades in the city, so that all participants can enjoy an accessible Games environment.

At The Paralympic Sponsor Seminar, hosted by BOCOG on 29 January, the IPC, the Chinese National Paralympic Committee (NPC) and BOCOG representatives informed corporate supporters of Beijing 2008 about the activities previous sponsors of the Games had been involved in. BOCOG department heads updated the sponsors on Paralympic marketing efforts and Games preparation.

Sir Philip Craven and Wang Wei, Executive Vice_President and Secretary General of BOCOG, delivered speeches to the audience.

Adressing the sponsors, Sir Philip said: “By activating your sponsorhsip of the Paralympic Games you will be extending the impact of your Beijing 2008 presence well after the Olympic Flame has been extinguished.”

He added: “The active involvement of the marketing partners plays a critical role in the final months before the Games in order to raise awareness and promote the Paralympic Movement and its values. The sponsor workshop was an encouraging step in that regard.

During their visit, the IPC delegation got a taste of the excitement to come in September at the Good Luck Invitational Basketball Tournament at the National Indoor Stadium. Sir Philip was also given a tour of the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) Gymnasium, which currently serves as the Wheelchair Basketball training venue for the Paralympic Games. Tours were also made to the airport and the Paralympic Village.