the sydney 2000 olympic and paralympic games - Australian Sports ...

PART FOUR : NSW GOVERNMENT AGENCIES GAMES SUPPORT SERVICES
SPOC worked in partnership with SOCOG, OCA, ORTA, OSCC and other government agencies.
Venues and facilities constructed for the Olympics were used for the Paralympic Games with Paralympic
overlay installed.
Games-time Committees
Key Paralympic Games-time Committees included:
• The Paralympic Games Co-ordination Group (PGCG) which was chaired by the Minister for the
Olympics and included CEOs (or equivalent) and appropriate senior representatives from SPOC,
SOCOG, OCA, ORTA and OSCC. The PGCG was the most senior level group operating at Gamestime
and addressed all issues relevant to hosting the Games. The group met weekly in the month
prior to the Games and on alternate days during Games-time. The PGCG briefed the International
Paralympic Committee Co-ordination Commission after each meeting.
• The Games-time Commission formed part of the PGCG. The Commission met as required throughout
Games-time to consider any critical issues relating to the Games. During the Games period the
SPOC Board delegated its responsibility to the Games-time Commission.
• The Main Operations Centre (MOC) operated continuously over the combined 60 days of the Olympic
and Paralympic Games. MOC provided overall Games co-ordination within venue and functional
areas. The Centre reported to the PGCG and sought resolution of issues where required.
• The Paralympic Operational Readiness Group (PORG) focussed on ensuring that all aspects of
planning were covered in the lead up to the Games.
Games-time Results
The International Paralympic Committee President declared the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games the best
ever. The Sydney Games will serve as a benchmark for future Paralympic Games.
The Sydney 2000 Paralympics Games featured 3,843 athletes from 122 countries as well as
2,951 officials.
Over 100,000 people attended both the Paralympic Opening Ceremony and the Closing Ceremony.
Record crowds attended the 10 days of competition, with 1.2 million spectators at Games events.
Key Paralympic Games outcomes include:
• 920 torchbearers took part in the Torch Relay.
• 550 medal events were conducted.
• 18 sports were represented.
• Games Workforce comprised 40,850 members including 15,000 volunteers.
• 2,440 accredited media covered Games events.
• More than 300 million television viewers watched the Games.
Legacy
The Games represented a milestone in the setting of standards for venue design particularly in respect of
disability access. These benefits remain in all of Sydney’s permanent Games venues.
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