March 5 - Visa will once again will be the Presenting Partner for the Paralympic Hall of Fame induction ceremony which will be held in Whistler, on  March 14  at the Paralympic Hospitality Centre, in conjunction with the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, it has been announced.



The induction ceremonies will feature the third group of Paralympic athletes to be inducted into the Paralympic Hall of Fame by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The IPC has selected three Paralympic greats for induction in 2010.

They are Finnish cross-country skier Tanja Kari, American alpine skier Chris Waddell, and German biathlon and cross-country skiing coach Rolf Hettich.

The three inductees were nominated by member organizations of the IPC based on their athletic performance, history of fair play and participation in community service.

Kari, Waddell and Hettich then were selected by the IPC’s Governing Board.

Antonio Lucio, the chief marketing officer of Visa, said: "Visa is again proud to be the presenting sponsor of this unique celebration honoring the achievements and spirit of Paralympic athletes and their coaches.

"As the partner of the Paralympic Hall of Fame, we understand the power of the Paralympic Movement and its exceptional ability to bring people, communities and nations together in peaceful sports competition.

"This sponsorship reaffirms Visa’s commitment to the Paralympic Movement and to Paralympic athletes of the past, present and future."

The Paralympic Hall of Fame ensures that a permanent record and institutional memory is kept of top Paralympic athletes and coaches of all time, thus honouring the performers who achieved a high and sustained level of success in the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games.

Sir Philip Craven, the President of the IPC, said: "The IPC is proud to induct Tanja Kari, Chris Waddell and Rolf Hettich into the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame.

"It is a thrill to be recognizing these three individuals and I congratulate their outstanding achievements on and off the field of play.

"The Paralympic Hall of Fame not only celebrates excellence in competition, but it offers young athletes a positive role model to look up to in their future endeavours in Paralympic Sport.

"The IPC thanks Visa for their continued support and commitment.”

The Paralympic Hall of Fame currently exists as a virtual Hall of Fame on the IPC website.

For more details click here.


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