Pistorius case 'will not define paralympic sport'
The future of the Paralympic movement will not be determined by the outcome of the Oscar Pistorius murder case, according to International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven.
Pistorius has long been seen as the poster boy for the Paralympics and Craven spoke of his “total shock and disbelief” at the news of Pistorius being arrested and subsequently charged following the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
However Craven insisted the IPC must continue to strive to build on the success of the London 2012 Games.
In an open letter on the IPC’s official website, Craven wrote: “We must all remember that this is a police case and we have to remain impartial at all times.
“The South African law courts will decide Oscar’s fate over the coming months and only then will the full story of what actually happened emerge.
“At the IPC however, we can decide what happens next in terms of the Paralympic movement. The profile of our athletes has never been higher, nor has the demand to watch Paralympic sport.
Research by LOCOG post-London 2012 showed the public’s awareness of the leading athletes tripled during the Games.
“Together it is our job to continue building this profile regardless of the outcome of this terrible case.”
