A senior IPC delegation, headed by its chief executive Xavier Gonzalez (pictured top), visited the Scottish city to inspect preparations for the Parasport programme, which will be the largest in Commonwealth Games history with the highest number of medal events across the most sports ever, and the IPC gave the plans their full endorsement.

"I was very impressed with what I saw in Glasgow," said Gonzalez.

"Not only do the venues look really good theatres for sport, but the city is also moving forward in improvements in accessibility and transport.

"Events such as this help build momentum, especially so here in Britain following last year's Paralympic Games.

"We believe this can be the best ever Commonwealth Games.

"Glasgow is a sport-mad city and all Scots are passionate about their elite sport.

"I am sure, just like London, that people from all over the Commonwealth will turn out in force to support their athletes taking part in the five Parasports here."


There will be 22 Parasport medal events at Glasgow 2014 across five Parasports of athletics, powerlifting, swimming, lawn bowls and track cycling, which will be included in the Commonwealth Games as a Parasport for the first time ever.

"On the back of the success of the London 2012 Paralympic Games it is an absolute pleasure to partner with the International Paralympic Committee on another inspiring and exciting global Parasport opportunity," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg, previously the IPC executive director of sport and international federation relations before moving to Scotland in 2009.

"The IPC's vision and support aligns well with that of Glasgow 2014's ambitions and we look forward to continuing this journey with them.

"We are incredibly excited and proud that Glasgow 2014 will feature the largest Parasport programme in Commonwealth Games history."

During the two-day visit, the IPC toured the Athletes' Village and held high-level in depth briefings with Glasgow 2014 officials on subjects including transport planning and venue accessibility.

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