IPC says Paralympics on track

Paul Carter

The global governing body of the Paralympic movement has given a cautious welcome to the progress being made on preparations for the Games in London in 2012.

Officials from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) were in the capital as part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission, which meets regularly to assess developments in all aspects of the Games.

Chief Executive of the IPC, Xavier Gonzalez, and Paralympic Games senior manager Thanos Kostopoulos also came to London to cast their eye over progress in areas including transport, planning and the development of accessible accommodation for Paralympic athletes.

Branding and marketing topics were also discussed including a Paralympic campaign plan.

A delegation also conducted a site visit of the new aquatics centre, where it was confirmed that the swimming programme for the 2012 Paralympics will extend to ten days for the first time.

Patrick Jarvis, IPC Governing Board and IOC Co-ordination Commission member, said: "We had very productive meetings and are generally pleased with the progress in several areas. With Sainsbury's as an exclusive Paralympic sponsor for example, LOCOG has had significant development around the Paralympic Games."

However, he sounded a note of caution.

"Although numerous Games-related technical challenges still need to be addressed, I have complete faith that these and other issues will be navigated by the Organising Committee in collaboration with the IPC, promising a most spectacular Paralympic Games in 2012," he said.

The Commission will visit London again in November to assess progress further.