Russia poised to become Paralympics leader?

From The Voice of Russia:

The construction of all sports facilities for the Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi will be finished by the middle of 2012. This was articulated by Deputy Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak during a meeting with the president of the International Paralympic Committee Philip Craven.

A so-called “barrier-free” zone is being created in Sochi, entailing full accessibility of sporting and transport facilities for people with disabilities, as well as the provision of a dedicated service sector, emphasised the Deputy PM. The president of the International Paralympic Committee was pleased with Russia’s preparations for the Paralympics.

“I’m glad that Russian volunteers went to Vancouver to get experience during the Paralympics , rather than the Olympics,” said Philip Craven.

"The development of the Paralympic movement is of significance to Russia and the rest of the world. The western world has not advanced on these matters as far as we had hoped. Meanwhile, Russia may come to the forefront in this area in the course of preparing for the 2014 Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi. We are currently working together on the first stages. I would like to congratulate you on understanding the importance of achieving a barrier-free environment and ensuring accessibility of all transport and sporting facilities for disabled people. We would like to see as many sportspeople as possible take part in the Sochi Paralympics. Being such a big country, Russia can set an example for the rest of the world."

The winter Olympics and Paralympics will take place in Sochi in 2014.

However, all facilities should be ready two years before the Olympics. Organisers want to test the facilities through sporting trials, including some for disabled athletes.