Brazil’s milestone achievement in hosting the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games in the same city and using the same excellent facilities as the Pan American Games continues to generate praise, and is yet another positive feature in Rio de Janeiro’s bid to stage the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On Thursday, the Organising Committee of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games (CO-RIO) presented its final report on the Rio 2007 Parapan Games to the Executive Council of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), in Beijing. The document was received with praise and Brazil’s achievement was classified as “historic” by the IPC’s president, Philip Craven.

The Rio 2007 Parapan Games brought together 1,115 athletes from 25 countries. It was the third time the event had been staged, but it was the first time the competition was held in the same city using the same sports facilities and athletes’ village as the Pan American Games. The seamless integration was praised by athletes and officials. “Rio de Janeiro’s initiative in staging the Parapan American Games straight after the Pan American Games, and with the same excellence, was historic. The success of the competition is an example for all continents to follow in the future”, said Mr. Craven.

Rio’s planning to host the 2016 Olympic Games reflects Brazil’s commitment to the Paralympic Movement. Senior officials of the Rio 2016 Candidature Commission are accompanying the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, which start on Saturday, September 6th. The group includes Rio 2016 President Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Marketing and Communication Director Leonardo Gryner; Sport Director Agberto Guimarães; and Games Services Director Ricardo Trade. Representatives of the Rio 2016 Commission are participating actively in the Observers Programme of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Also present in Beijing is the president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, Vital Severino Neto, and the President of the Americas Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons.

Mr. Nuzman explains that “the IPC’s recognition of the Rio 2007 Parapan Games is another boost to Rio’s Olympic bid. The Rio 2016 plan confirms our strong commitment to Paralympic sport. The experience of having held the Parapan American Games successfully will be fundamental to our bid, as well as a strong differential.”