ID :
358984
Wed, 03/04/2015 - 01:13
Auther :

PyeongChang completes accessibility manual in prep for Paralympics

SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean organizers of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games said Tuesday they have completed guidelines for ensuring accessibility for athletes and fans to Olympic venues and services. The organizing committee for the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang, an alpine town some 180 kilometers of Seoul, said it has published its signature "Accessibility Manual," which is designed to "ensure maximum access and convenience" for the physically challenged. "Accessibility is one of the most basic, yet important, factors for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, not only for the participating Paralympic athletes but for the attendees as well," the committee said in an English-language statement. "It also means that all spectators including the physically impaired, the elderly and pregnant women can overcome differences in physical condition, age and language, and have access to all venues, services and infrastructure without discrimination." The committee said it incorporated elements from "Accessibility Guide" by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and also borrowed from relevant South Korean laws to put together its own manual. According to the organizing committee, the Accessibility Manual covers, among other areas, standards for facilities such as pedestrian passages, parking areas, ramps, stairs and elevators. It also provides standards for publication, communication and transportation. PyeongChang will first stage the 2018 Winter Games for able-bodied athletes from Feb. 9 to 25. The Winter Paralympics will run from March 9 to March 18. jeeho@yna.co.kr (END)

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