MOSCOW--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This year marks an important milestone for the Parasport Foundation as it celebrates a successful 10 years of supporting the worldwide development of the Paralympic Movement.
The official celebrations took place in Moscow last week and coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Russian Paralympic Committee. The event was attended by the representatives of the Paralympic Committees from 25 countries, headed by Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, and Andrew Parsons, vice-president of the International Paralympic Committee, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee.
As part of the celebration, The Russian Paralympic Committee hosted the 10th Annual Return to Life Award Ceremony to honor some of the nation’s most successful para-athletes and coaches for their achievements and contributions to the Paralympic Movement. Nominees included Denis Tarasov, four-time medalist at 2015 IWAS Games and five-time swimming world champion, as well as Avtandil Baramidze, coach of the Russian Cerebral Palsy Football Team. Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, and Oleg Boyko, founder of Parasport Foundation, awarded the “Second Wind/ Breath” nomination to the Russian team that won gold at 2015 World Wheelchair Curling Championships.
Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, commented:
“The story of the Russian Paralympic Movement over the past ten years has been one of demonstrable progress, proving once again how much can be achieved with the support and cooperation of the government, national organizations and private foundations. I believe that this incredible experience of collaboration and cooperation of the stakeholders should undoubtedly be shared with other countries, further spreading worldwide development of the Paralympic Movement.”
Established as a private initiative during the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Turin, the Parasport Foundation has since expanded into new geographical regions through a presence in Asia, and it has become the official partner of the Russian Paralympic Committee.
The Parasport Foundation’s philanthropic work has three main objectives: to provide funding for Paralympic teams; to assist with the organization of events and to stimulate a climate of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for disabled persons.
Since its founding, the Parasport Foundation has been working in close partnership with the Paralympic Committees to challenge society’s perception of disabled people. Throughout these years, Parasport has supported and funded numerous projects and initiatives, including the organisation of:
- functions in honour of national champions and medalists;
- international Paralympic championships/ competitions;
- official meetings aimed at fostering cooperation among Paralympic institutions;
- events designed to promote the participation of children with disabilities in sports;
- the national award ceremony “Return to Life” in Russia, which recognizes the achievements of outstanding athletes at the Winter and Summer Paralympic Games and other international competitions,
- a talk show “Heroes of Our Time” during the ХI Paralympic Winter Games in 2014.
Oleg Boyko, Founder of Parasport Foundation, commented:
“We are very proud of what we have achieved at Parasport over the last decade. Throughout these years, we have supported athletes from Russia and around the world to achieve their dreams. The Parasport Foundation remains committed to its core principles, which is to provide para athletes with financial support to help with rehabilitation and social adaptation; it also seeks to promote a positive and inclusive image of people with disabilities and further develop the Paralympic Movement’s capabilities.”
About Parasport
Parasport works in close partnership with National Paralympic Committees and international Paralympic organizations.
Parasport helps finance physical rehabilitation and social adaptation for athletes and people with physical and sensory impairments. It promotes equal opportunities for all members of the community.