EBU and IPC team up for Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

The European Broadcasting Union, operating EUROVISION, and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have formed a multiservice partnership covering the media rights on all platforms for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, the Rio 2016 Paralympic Summer Games and various other para-sport events.

Under the new terms, the EBU will exploit the media rights for all EBU territories, excluding Russia for Sochi 2014 and the UK for both Paralympic Games. Already 27 EBU Members have committed to showing the Rio 2016 Paralympics - an unprecedented number so far in advance of any Games.

In addition, EUROVISION, operated by the EBU, will provide the IPC with extra services, such as production, distribution and onsite activities, to enhance the coverage of IPC Championships and test events, making the EBU a committed partner in the furtherance of the Paralympic Movement.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: "This agreement is a major statement of intent about the growth of the Paralympic Movement and the growing appeal of the Paralympic Games.

"London 2012 was broadcast to over 100 countries reaching a cumulative global TV audience of 3.8 billion, all of whom I am sure were left inspired and excited by what they saw. To have secured so many territories through the EBU for Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 so far out from both Games is fantastic news and I'd like to personally thank both Organising Committees for their support.

"I'm also delighted that the EBU will cover and provide extra services for other para-sport events. It is important that the world gets to see athletes in action outside of the Paralympics at events such as World and regional Championships. This deal will help achieve this, further raising the profile of para-sport."

Following today's announcement, EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said: "The Paralympic Movement - like public service broadcasting - is about inclusivity and universality. Sport reaches more people through the free-to-air channels of our Members, so the EBU and the IPC are ideal partners, given our respective values and missions. We are proud to be the IPC's broadcast partner, and the EBU relishes the chance to help in the growing success of the Paralympic Movement."

Dmitry Chernyshenko, CEO and President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, said:

"The deal between the IPC and EBU marks an important event for the further promotion of the Paralympic Movement. Millions of TV spectators throughout Europe will be able to follow the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi and plunge into the vibrant atmosphere of this truly exciting competition."

Carlos Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, stated:

"We are thrilled to have secured Europe-wide coverage so early on in our preparations to deliver excellent and memorable Paralympic Games in Rio 2016. This will provide us with a network of broadcasters with which we can already start working on a variety of fronts, from perfecting our operational plans to showcasing the transformation the Games are bringing to Rio and Brazil.

"The IPC has been doing an excellent job in raising the profile of the Paralympic Movement and its athletes, and we can only benefit from this work. We welcome the EBU Members and EUROVISION in our journey for the years building up to Rio 2016 and are looking forward to collaborating with them to make our Games an unforgettable experience for their viewers."

For more information contact: craig.spence@paralympic.org or call +49-228-2097-230. Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org.

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