It has been announced that the 2013 European Paralympic Committee General Assembly and Conference will be hosted by Paralympics Ireland in Dublin on the 4th and 5th October.

Paralympics Ireland pitched the bid as their contribution to ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’, a series of cultural events and activities. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring T.D. welcomed the announcement “I am delighted that the 2013 European Paralympic Committee General Assembly & Conference will be held in Dublin in October. It will be a great honour for Paralympics Ireland and indeed for Irish Sport as a whole to host such a prestigious event and I would like to congratulate Paralympics Ireland.”

“I am confident that delegates attending this event will be pleased with the quality of infrastructure and services available here in Ireland. I wish all participants a very successful General Assembly and Conference.

This biennial event will be attended by delegates from over 40 countries in Europe and is one of the principle Paralympic gatherings worldwide this year. Alongside discussions relating to the current opportunities and challenges within Paralympic sport, the event marks the end of the four year electoral cycle, meaning elections to the Executive Board will take place.

President of the European Paralympic Committee, Mr. John Petersson from Denmark, outlined the importance of this year’s event. “The members of the European Paralympic Committee are looking forward to meeting in Dublin. The election of the Executive Board at the General Assembly is sure to be of interest to all members, as is the conference programme. With the close proximity to the IPC General Assembly in November, the gathering provides a very timely opportunity for the European members to discuss key issues affecting the movement and bring a unified regional approach to the IPC General Assembly. Finally, I´d like to express our thanks to Paralympics Ireland for hosting the event. The plans for the event put in place by Paralympics Ireland are of the highest quality and will guarantee a very enjoyable few days in Dublin for all delegates."

Paralmypics Ireland President James Gradwell highlighted the impact that London 2012 has had on Paralympic Sport and in particular the host organisation: "Our organisation has grown hugely over the © European Paralympic Committee 2012 Page 2 of 3 last few years culminating in an incredible London 2012 Paralmypics Games. We are delighted to be hosting our European colleagues in Dublin so soon after London and look forward to producing the best ever EPC GA and Conference. I´d particularly like to thank our CEO Liam Harbison for being the driving force in bringing this event to Ireland and the great assistance received from EPC Treasurer Craig Carscadden."

Working papers, including the full EPC General Assembly & Working Conference programme will be made available directly to registered delegates and via the EPC website. For information relating to the organisation of the event, please contact communications@paralympics.ie.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR
EUROPEAN PARALYMPICS COMMITTEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CONFERENCE

•  Hosted by Paralympics Ireland (http://www.paralympics.ie/)
•  Dublin, 4th- 5th October 2013
•  Elections to the EPC Executive Board

THE EUROPEAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (www.europaralympic.org)
The European Paralympic Committee (EPC) is a non for profit organisation registered in Vienna, Austria.
The EPC aims to provide sports programs and initiatives for persons with a disability in order to increase sports participation rates throughout European communities including those in less economically affluent zones and minority groups.
 

PRESS CONTACT:
Matthias Guett
European Paralympic Committee
Opernring 1, Stiege E / 2. Stock / Top 222-227
1010 Vienna, Austria
mailto:matthias.guett@europaralympic.org
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR IMMEDIATE CIRCULATION