International Paralympic Committee praises Rio Paralympics planning

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 13 (IANS)

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has praised the "significant progress" made by organisers of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

During a visit to Rio this week, IPC representatives met with the local organising committee and government officials, including the city's mayor Eduardo Paes, reports Xinhua.

"We have seen significant progress on all the areas we have reviewed. In particular, we are really satisfied with the more integrated approach taken by the city and state governments and Rio 2016 on the accessibility program," the IPC's chief executive Xavier Gonzalez said Wednesday.

"We have now a much better picture of all the accessibility interventions across the places, the last mile and the transport network."

"There is still a lot of work to do but the plans are in place and this collaborative approach will help to ensure the proper implementation of accessibility solutions not only for the Games but the long-term benefit of the citizens of this great city," Gonzalez said.

Rio 2016 Paralympic Integration Committee (PIC) chairman Andrew Parsons said: "We have had two days of very productive discussions. As well as working on the preparations for the Games themselves, we are focused on the transformation of Rio into a city for all."