| dc.description.abstract | World Championships and the World Wheelchair Curling Championships, to name two deciding events, athletes had their definitive results with their respective ranking, clearing the way for training and Games preparation. I was at the One-Year-Out celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in March, which was organized by the Government of Canada at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Being there, we had the opportunity to link all Canadians with the Paralympic Winter Games next year. Closing out the year, the IPC held its General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the IPC elected its new Governing Board. Hosted by the Malaysian Paralympic Council, around 350 delegates from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), disability specific sport federations (IOSDs), International Federations (IF), regions and sports attended the event. The IPC welcomed nine National Paralympic Committees, including Brunei Darussalam, Montenegro,
Mozambique, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, all of which became ratified as members of the organization. Additionally, the International Archery Federation (FITA) joined the IPC as a member. I am pleased to report that the year 2009 was also successful in terms of securing the IPC’s financial status. What was accomplished in 2009 could not have been possible without the funding generated through successful marketing of the Paralympic Brand and through corporate partnerships. The IPC recognizes and thanks its Worldwide Partners Atos Origin, Otto Bock, Samsung and Visa, as well as its Gold Patrons Allianz SE and Deutsche Telekom AG. As the IPC overcame the various challenges presented in 2009, it will no doubt prove to be vital in preparation for the ongoing challenges of the upcoming year! | en_US |
