Paralympians And Olympians Back Craven
Sir Philip Craven has received the backing from some of the Britain’s best known Paralympians and Olympians as he campaigns to continue in his role as the president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The election for the position is due at the General Assembly of the IPC in Athens on 24th November, with Sir Philip’s only challenger for re-election being Alan Dickson, a board member of the IPC.
Sir Craven said his campaign was focused around maintaining the momentum of the Paralympic movement: ‘Now is not the time to stand still. With the support of my friends and colleagues across the movement, I firmly believe that we can tackle the fresh challenges head on, and take the IPC to the next level by focussing on grassroots development and by keeping sport and the athletes firmly at the core of the organisation’s existence.’
Lord Seb Coe gave his support to Sir Craven’s bid, saying: ‘I have known Sir Philip Craven for a long time and will be forever grateful for his contribution to London 2012 and his hard work and unfaltering support as a member of the LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) Board. Phil is a man of vision and with all that lies ahead for the Paralympic Movement, the tremendous opportunity it has to grow and inspire positive change across the world, it is vital there is a leader of substance and credibility at its head.’
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson also added her backing: ‘As an athlete, sport leader and now President of the IPC it is hard to think of someone with more passion for the Paralympic movement. He knows its power because, like me, he has experienced it first hand as an athlete, and it is athletes that remain at the heart of his vision for the future. I hope very much that he is given the chance to serve the Paralympic movement for one more term as President and can help the rest of the world build on the incredible success of London 2012.’
In 2012 Sir Craven was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sport Industry Awards. The deadline for entries for the BT Sport Industry Awards 2014 is 6th December, take a look at all the categories and enter you work here.
