Young Advocates Programme IPC Speech

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Young Advocates Programme  - 11 September 2008 Beijing Reception

- Speech by Ann Cody member of the Governing Board of the IPC and Chairperson of the IPC Women in Sport Committee.

- Good evening.

- Welcome to the participants of The Young Advocates Programme to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

- This is a first, and the International Paralympic Committee heartily congratulates the British Council.

- It has taken initiative to promote intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and development of civil society.

- What a fitting place, here during the Paralympics, to stage the Youth Forum and various workshops.

- The British Council's commitment to the Paralympic Movement is evident with the key elements that have been established for this programme.

- They will empower a global community of skilled young advocates who will raise awareness for the Paralympics, the Paralympic spirit and social inclusion.

- The importance of this training of Young Advocates is without a doubt immeasurable.

- As these Young Advocates begin to share their information and training in their respective schools, colleges and communities, millions of people will become aware of the active role that young people with a disability can play in society.

- This reiterates the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

- The closer together we bring our youth, and the more we educate them about Paralympic Sport, the more they learn about the positive skills that sport can bring to their lives.

- This Beijing Youth Advocates Programme was developed as a pilot experience. 
 
- Now, we look forward to the possibility of its global implementation in the lead-up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games

- Welcome again to the Paralympic Games here in Beijing.

- I wish you good luck in your work and in your assuredly positive contribution to a civil and equal society.

- Thank you.