Paralympian Ambassadors Announced

Today, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) proudly announced the launch of its Paralympian Ambassador Programme.

The aim of this programme is to create a roster of top past and present Paralympic athletes to act as ambassadors of the Paralympic Movement, in order to be role models for young people with and without disability and act as awareness and communication tools for the Paralympic Movement to enhance and increase its public profile.

Eleven Paralympic athletes from all over the world have been chosen so far:

Verena Bentele (GER, Nordic Skiing)
Hou Bin (CHN, Athletics)
Cheri Blauwet (USA, Athletics)
Kirsten Bruhn (GER, Swimming)
Muffy Davis (USA, Alpine Skiing)
Michael Teuber (GER, Cycling)
Tanni Grey-Thompson (GBR, Athletics)
Ernst Van Dyk (RSA, Athletics)
Esther Vergeer (NED, Wheelchair Tennis)
Chris Waddell (USA, Alpine Skiing)
Henry Wanyoike (KEN, Athletics)

All Paralympian Ambassadors have competed in at least one Summer or Winter Paralympic Games, have won at least one medal, represent the Paralympic spirit and values, have been recommended by their respective National Paralympic Committee as a positive role model and have a clean record with regards to anti-doping and/or any other offences.

As Paralympian Ambassadors, these top athletes will be asked to represent the Paralympic Movement in various activities including motivational speeches at corporate gatherings or events of IPC Partners, participation in awareness campaigns, including print, television or electronic, visit to IPC development or education programmes, presence at IPC events as well as media appearance.

During a two-days seminar, held at the IPC Headquarters in Bonn, Germany, from 7 to 8 February, the Ambassadors will get to know each other, receive more information about the Paralympic Movement as well as test their interview skills during a media training.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 162 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, visit www.paralympic.org.