In her address, Germany’s Chancellor Merkel described the Paralympic Movement as “an inspiring success story” with the IPC acting as its driving force.
She said:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Paralympic Movement is an inspiring success story. More and more athletes from all over the world are training towards competing against the best athletes in their discipline. Their desire to take part at least once in the Paralympic Games motivates them and leads to outstanding achievements. In turn, their will and skills encourage others to test their own limits and to overcome obstacles. This brings about many personal success stories, which breathe life into the Paralympic Movement. The International Paralympic Committee has been the driving force behind this striking and very welcome development for the past 25 years. I would like to thank the IPC for this. Congratulations on your anniversary!"
