Bukharov, deputising for the Sochi 2014 President and chief executive Dmitry Chernyshenko who was ill, was speaking on the first afternoon of the IPC General Assembly here.

Ticket sales were one particular issue raised by the Sochi 2014 Coordination Commission on behalf of the IPC membership.

Although international sales for the Games have been stronger than ever, there has been a particularly poor uptake from within Russia which is adversely affecting total sales.

Earlier this month IPC President Sir Philip Craven admit to be "concerned" over ticket sales.

Bukharov described drawing greater attention to the Games has been one way to combat and one example of this was the 100 days to go events which aimed to raise awareness and to direct people towards the Paralympic Games – such as the White Cane Festival in Moscow.

Live sites and musical and dance groups "honouring Paralympic heroes" will also be incorporated during the Games itself as well as a "medal plaza" for podium finishes.

There are some concerns over preparations for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games
©Getty Images


Bukharov also explained measures being taken to deal with some of the other concerns of the Coordination Commission.

This included disability access in toilet facilities at airports, security concerns, and activities within the Olympic Park.

Wheelchair provisions was a key aspect of the rest of the address with regards to transport, accommodation and even during medal ceremonies.

The final stages of construction as well as commercial partnership and commemorative coins were also highlighted while the success of test events in all five Paralympic sports held earlier in 2013 was another cause for optimism, it was claimed.

Sir Philip ended the session by asking for regular updates from Sochi 2014 as the countdown to the Games in March draws ever closer.

The installation of new National Paralympic Committees into the International Paralympic Committee formed another part of the day at the General Assembly ©George Santamouris


Elsewhere Sir Philip began the day with a welcoming address which drew on the memory and success of London 2012.

"This is the first time many of us have been together since last year's amazing Games, an event that did so much for raising the profile of Paralympians, Paralympic sport and changing perceptions of people with an impairment," he said.

"I would like to thank you all for the contribution of those Games."

He also thanked and paid tribute to the outgoing IPC Governing Board which has been together for the last four years.

Among other highlights of the morning session was the approval of new members to the IPC.

These where Antigua & Barbuda, People's Republic of Korea, US Virgin Islands, Seychelles, Sao Tome & Principle and Chile, as well as the Boccia International Sports Federation.

The three day IPC Conference and Assembly continues tomorrow with a final day that will conclude with the Presidential Election pitting Sir Philip again fellow Briton Allan Dickson.