Disability Sport Focus for Commonwealth Games

Disability sport is set to take another leap forward as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has backed Glasgow 2014 to stage the most successful Para-Sport programme in Commonwealth Games history.

2014 will see Glasgow play host to the largest Para-Sport programme in Commonwealth Games history, with the highest ever number of medal events.

Unlike the Olympics, where there are separate programmes and dates for regular and Paralympic Games, disability sport is incorporated with the main body of the Commonwealth Games. Senior figures from the Paralympic Movement’s global governing body visited Glasgow for a wide-ranging update on preparations for the five fully-integrated Para-Sports.

Disability Sport Momentum

Xavier Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of the IPC, said: “I was very impressed with what I saw in Glasgow.  Not only do the venues look really good theatres for sport but the city is also moving forward in improvements in accessibility and transport.

“Events such as this help build momentum, especially so here in the UK following last year’s Paralympic Games.  We believe this can be the best ever Commonwealth Games for disability sport.”

The IPC party visited the Athletes’ Village during their two-day tour and held in-depth briefings with Games officials on subjects including disabled vehicle transport planning and venue accessibility.

By placing a firm emphasis on a fully accessible Games, Glasgow 2014 will set the foundations for future sporting events held in Scotland beyond the 2014 Commonwealth Games.