The 13th Summer Paralympic Games in 2008 in Beijing will be extremely successful and "fabulous", Phil Craven, chief of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC),

Predicted in Athens on September 16.

"There will be synthesis and benefits as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will formally be organized by the same organizing committee since the Beijing Paralympic Games," Craven told Xinhua.

Craven said he is satisfied with the cooperation between the IPC and Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and "feels good" about the recently-launched logo for the Beijing Games.

"I am confident that BOCOG will do an excellent job," said Craven.

Since taking the IPC helm in September 2001, the organization has been staging a major reshuffle of its executive structure.

Craven said he will try his best to ensure that sports for people with disabilities continue to grow and prosper.

As an international governing body of sports for athletes with disability, the IPC will enhance its role as a supervisor and co-coordinator, he stressed.

As for the upcoming Athens Paralympic Games, Craven said the organizing committee has done well in the organization, doping tests and provision of barrier-free facilities.

The Athens Games will open at 20:30 hours local time on Friday and Craven will make an important speech at the opening ceremony to introduce Paralympic concepts and values.

Source: Xinhua