CEO of Linkage heads to 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver.

CEO of Linkage heads to 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver

Dr Bob Price, Chief Executive of Linkage Community Trust, arrived in Vancouver on Thursday 11 March, in time for the Opening Ceremony of this year’s Winter Paralympic Games.

Apart from his Linkage responsibilities, Dr Price has been associated with the Paralympic movement for almost 40 years.  He has led the GB Team to five Summer Paralympic Games, been President of both British and European Paralympic Committees and is currently President of the International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID). 

Last November, Dr Price was a prime mover behind the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to re-include athletes with intellectual disability in future Paralympic Games, beginning with London 2012.  On his return from Kuala Lumpur, where the IPC General Assembly took place, Dr Bob Price said: ‘Naturally, I am delighted with the outcome of this vote. Even though they themselves did nothing wrong, for nine years since Sydney 2000, athletes with intellectual disability have been excluded from the Paralympic Games and other IPC sanctioned competitions’.

During his visit to Vancouver, Dr Price aims to meet with representatives of the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics International and the organizers of the next Winter Paralympics, due to take place in Sochi during 2014.  He will also be involved in various medal ceremonies.

Although Dr Price has been Linkage’s Chief Executive since 1996, his Paralympic roots go far deeper.  ‘My Paralympic involvement is very important to me and my current role within INAS-FID fits very well alongside my duties at Linkage.  To see one of our service-users participate in Paralympic Games, perhaps in London 2012, would be a great thrill.’

For more information or a press opportunity, please contact 01472 372359 or email mediacommunications@linkage.org.uk.