|
||
|
The amazing IX. Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006 are going to end today with a successful balance for the Austrian team: The Austrian Paralympic Athletes provided for the outstanding result of altogether 14 Medals, among them three gold medals and the high-ranking delegation from Salzburg 2014, the team bidding to host the 2014 Winter Games, has lernt valuable lessons to further enhance its bid. Mayor of Salzburg, Heinz Schaden and the President of the Austrian Olympic Committee, Leo Wallner, have been joined by technical officials of Salzburg 2014. In addition to participation in the six-day Observer Programme, the Salzburg 2014 delegation have held numerous meetings with organisers, athletes and experts to fully understand what is required to run a successful Paralympic Games. Mayor Heinz Schaden said: "After already having the honour of experiencing the Olympic Winter Games in February, my enthusiasm has grown even more having seen the skill and sheer dedication of Paralympians here in Torino. I am struck by the unique atmosphere and the passion of the spectators many of them children and what an inspiration hosting this event would be for the people of Austria. The City of Salzburg invests significantly in improving transport infrastructure for people with disabilities and my Paralympic experiences have further renewed my commitment to this important agenda." Dr. Leo Wallner, President of the Austrian Olympic Committee, adds: "This trip will help us to develop our plans further and ensure that we deliver a seamless Games with the welfare of Paralympic athletes at the very core of our plans." The new CEO of the Salzburg 2014 Bid Committee, Fedor Radmann, added: "I know my team is gaining invaluable experience from their time in Torino and I am looking forward to a thorough de-brief from them. It is crucial that we fully integrate the lessons learnt into our plans as we develop our bid." Salzburg 2014 Paralympics expert Walter Pfaller, director of the National Sport Office Salzburg and former Paralympic Games Pentathlon Gold Medal Winner added: "It would be amazing if Salzburg could help to make the Paralympic Movement and paralympic sports even more popular. My dream would be to be have a curling and a wheelchair ice hockey team in Austria, which can battle for medals. A positive decision for Salzburg 2014 could be the launch pad for many young people in Austria with disabilities to take up sport. Gernot Leitner, Salzburg 2014 Games Plan Director and one of the participants of Salzburgs Observer Programme said: Our main take away from being here is the importance of planning both Olympic Games and Paralympic Games together, particularly in relation to transport and to ensure accessibility across all levels of Games infrastructure. This message is very clear to us. For further information please contact: Mike Lee, Salzburg 2014 Bid Committee |
