The Sochi Paralympic Winter Games are on track to becoming the most successful ever, International Paralympic Committee President Phil Craven said on Tuesday. "The Games are exceeding all expectations in every single area," the Briton said of the March 7-16 extravaganza. "It was important that in Sochi we built on the success of London 2012 and, together with the organizing committee, we are certainly doing that." More than 300,000 tickets have been sold for the event so far, eclipsing the previous Winter Paralympic record of 230,000 sold in Vancouver four years ago, the IPC said. "To break the 300,000 barrier is sensational and I know the Organizing Committee is working hard to try to create extra capacity to cater for the huge demand for tickets," Craven said in a statement. "The Russian crowds also deserve huge credit for making these Games a huge success. Their vocal support has inspired the athletes and, what has pleased me the most, is that their support has not just been for Russian athletes but for athletes from all 45 countries. "It's the Paralympic effect in action. No matter where the Games go, they have an ability to transform sports fans into sports fans for all, supporting all sides and all athletes." The organizers said they had raised $95 million from their marketing program, a new record for a Paralympic Winter Games. "Companies are realizing the full value of a Paralympic partnership, whilst broadcasters are delighted at the sensational pictures provided by OBS (Olympic Broadcast Service)and the inspirational stories from athletes that they can provide their viewers with around the world. "The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games are on course to be the best and most successful ever." The Paralympics come hard on the heels of the February7-23 Sochi Winter Olympic Games for which Russia spent more than $50 billion on hosting and related infrastructure in the Black Sea resort. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. It organizes Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports. (For more sports news and updates, followAhramOnline Sportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/96426.aspx
