IPC President Expects London 2012 Paralympic Games to be Best Yet

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven believes London 2012 Paralympic Games could be the best yet.

“The London 2012 Paralympic Games will quite simply be sport like never before,” said Sir Philip, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Our elite athletes will captivate billions around the world, will inspire millions, and ultimately lead societal change and help alter perceptions of what can be achieved by a person with an impairment.

“We are now one year away from London 2012.

“The excitement is building by the day, and as we get closer, I truly believe that London 2012 is shaping up to be just as good as Beijing in 2008, if not better.

“London also has the unique opportunity to be a truly global event – not just in terms of athletes and countries taking part – but spectators and TV viewers.

“The city is a short journey from many European cities and also home to many large international communities.

“Therefore, next year I don’t think it will just be the British athletes who will enjoy the passionate vocal support that a home crowd brings.”

There is expected to be a media frenzy at the Paralympics in London and the number of television viewers is widely expected to top the culminated audience of 3.8 billion that tuned in for the Beijing Paralympics.

Sir Philip hopes more exposure than ever before for the Paralympic Games will lead to a greater awareness of the Agitos – the symbol of the Paralympic Movement – and what it stands for.

“I want more people to understand the IPC’s objectives for organizing one of the biggest multi-sport events in the world,” he said.

“Our symbol represents our role in bringing athletes from all around the world together through the Movement, whether that be through grassroots sport or the elite level.

“There is no greater showcase then to do it in front of millions of spectators and billions of TV viewers at London 2012.”