APC and IPC officials are visiting Lima 2019 to assess preparations ©Lima 2019

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) have expressed hope next year's Parapan American Games in Lima could improve accessibility standards in the Peruvian capital city.

The claim was made at the two organisations visit Lima to observe the progress made on preparations for next year’s Games.

Operations consultant Paul Freudensprung and accessibility expert Carlos Ramirez are representing the IPC during the visit, while Ileana Rodriguez is the athlete representative on the APC Executive Board.

The Lima 2019 Athletes' Village was among the key sites they have visited to date, with organisers claiming 340 apartments have been completed since construction began in September.

A total of 1,096 apartments will be completed for the Games, with all expected to meet international accessibility standards.

Of that total, 336 apartments will be specially configured for people with an impairment, including having wider hallways and larger elevators.

"At Lima 2019, our goal is to create a meaningful and long-lasting legacy for the people of Lima and Peru," Carlos Neuhaus, Lima 2019 President, said.

"We are doing it through bricks and mortar, introducing new accessibility standards in our new affordable accommodation and sports facilities.

"And we are doing it through creating the best possible conditions for Parapan American Games athletes to shine.

"Lima 2019 will inspire greater inclusivity across our communities."

A workshop focusing on accessibility has been held, with IPC and APC officials present ©Lima 2019
A workshop focusing on accessibility has been held, with IPC and APC officials present ©Lima 2019

The IPC and APC officials also participated in an accessibility workshop hosted by Peru's Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation’s general division of technological development.

The workshop focused on the importance of making accessibility a central feature in urban housing development and new accessibility technologies.

Efforts to use the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, due to take place between August 23 and September 1, to benefit the city were also discussed during the workshop.

Five different Lima municipalities joined the workshop featuring representatives of the Ministry of Transportation, Education and Housing and the National Commission for the Integration of People with Disabilities.

"One of the most important aspects of the Lima 2019 project is improving accessibility standards in Lima and across Peru as a legacy of the Parapan American Games," said Rodriquez.

"t was hugely encouraging to see the commitment of the Organising Committee and government stakeholders in taking advantage of this opportunity to improve lives and demonstrate sport’s potential to inspire positive change."