Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC), the event was attended by Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and Andrew Parsons, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and vice-president of the IPC.

Also present were representatives of Paralympic Committees from 25 different countries.

As part of the celebration, the RPC hosted the 10th annual "Return to Life" award ceremony to honour some of Russia’s most successful Para-athletes and coaches for their achievements and contributions to the Paralympic Movement.

Nominees included swimmer Denis Tarasov, four-time medallist at 2015 International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Games and Paralympic champion in the men's 50 metres freestyle S8, as well as Avtandil Baramidze, coach of the Russian cerebral palsy football team.

Craven and Oleg Boyko, founder of Parasport Foundation, presented the "Second Wind/ Breath" award to the Russian team that won gold at the 2015 World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Finland.

"The story of the Russian Paralympic Movement over the past 10 years has been one of demonstrable progress, proving once again how much can be achieved with the support and cooperation of the Government, national organisations and private foundations," said Craven.  

"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 Winter Paralympic Games in the Italian city of Turin, the Parasport Foundation has since expanded into new geographical regions through a presence in Asia, and become the official partner of the RPC.

The Parasport Foundation’s philanthropic work has three main objectives; to provide funding for Paralympic teams, to assist with the organisation 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 Paralympic Committees to challenge society’s perception of disabled people and has supported and funded numerous projects and initiatives.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved at Parasport over the last decade," said Boyko.

"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."