Participation of 4000 Athletes in the Athens Paralympics

The 2004 Athens Paralympics will be held with the participation of 4000 athletes in 19 sports disciplines. According to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), these competitions will take place from September 17 to September 28 (26 Shahrivar to 6 Mehr) in 19 sports, including 15 disciplines common with the Olympics and 4 specific to the Paralympics, over a period of 12 days in 20 venues simultaneously, with a total of 550 medals to be awarded. It is predicted that 2000 companions will accompany the 4000 athletes from 143 countries participating in these games. For this purpose, the organizing committee will employ 15,000 volunteers to ensure the games are conducted as splendidly as possible. The organizing committee has established special facilities for athletes this time, including the elimination of entry fees for Paralympic athletes for the first time in the history of the Paralympics. Although the participation of athletes from 143 countries marks a new record, the Greek government will implement new regulations regarding access to public buildings for the convenience of all disabled athletes. Additionally, 17,000 rooms have been allocated for the accommodation of Olympic families in the greater Athens area, and 3,000 media representatives will cover this major event for disabled sports in 2004.