Russia Takes Step Towards Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games

The Russian legal system took another step towards meeting the requirements of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) ahead of hosting the Sochi 2014 Games by assuring the statutes of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

A Bill that guarantees the equal status of Olympic and Paralympic Games has passed its second reading in the Russian State Duma. It will ensure that both events are hosted to the highest level possible and will allow Sochi 2014 to stage an innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bill will also allow the IPC and the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee to distribute Paralympic Identity Cards to members of Paralympic Family and Paralympians for their secure and comfortable stay in Sochi during the Games.

These major developments for Paralympic sport will benefit the 13 million people living with disabilities in Russia. Hosting Sochi 2014 will help continue the process of increasing the integration and quality of life of people with disabilities in Russia as well as promoting public awareness of the challenges that they face.

The assistance, treatment and rehabilitation of people with disabilities are major priorities in Russia – this was demonstrated when the country adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in September 2008.