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1. Opening
The President welcomed all delegates to the General Assembly and conveyed a special welcome to Mr. Carl Wang, former president of EPC and member of the Develompment Committee, Dr. Walt Thompson and Mr. Mike Mushett from the Georgia State University, Dr. Susanne Reiff, IPC Media and Communications Manager, and Mr. Christian Lillieroos, IPC Technical Director. A special welcome was also extended to the sports co-ordinators for Equestrian, Wheelchair Dance and Table Tennis. Disappointment was expressed with the lack of response from other sports and promises made to more efforts in increasing the representation for next assemblies.
It was reported that Dr. Steadward, IPC President, had conveyed his greetings and best wishes for a good General Assembly and that he regretted being unable to attend the meeting. Also, Ms. Carol Mushett, IPC Technical Officer, had expressed regrets for not being able to be present. None of the IPC Management Committee members could be appointed as substitutes since they all had other commitments.
The President called for a moment of silence in memory of Mr. Peter Wehrli, former Treasurer of EPC, who had passed away in December 1998.
The meeting was declared open.
2. Roll Call
Delegates from the following 26 nations attended the General Assembly :
| Austria | Belarus | Belgium | Croatia |
| Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia |
| Faroe Islands | Finland | France | Germany |
| Great Britain | Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
| Ireland | Lithuania | Netherlands | Norway |
| Portugal | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain |
| Sweden | Switzerland |
Further present were the Executive Committee members, European Co-ordinators or representatives for the following sports : Table Tennis, Wheelchair Dancing, Equestrian, and observers from the IPC Headquarters and from Georgia State University.
The total number of voting rights was 26.
Mr. Christian Lillieroos and Mr. Jiri Danek were appointed as tellers.
3. Adoption of the Agenda
The President informed that the recommendations formulated during the Conference on women in sport would be included in item 8.4. Recommendations for a development conference in Slovakia would be included as part of the operations plan in item 5.2. At 14.00hrs a presentation would be made by Mr Carlheinz Ruhl, ARGE, on the marketing concept.
The Netherlands moved and Denmark seconded to adopt the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Adoption Minutes 1998 Extraordinary General Assembly
France referred to page 3 of the minutes and asked whether more information was now available from Mr. Gibeault on the results of the IPC marketing programme. The President replied that to his knowledge nothing substantial was in place and that Mr. Gibeault had expressed some criticism to the movement for not being supportive and not having confidence in possible results.
Great Britain requested to note that for reasons of consistency they preferred to be identified as “Great Britain” not as “BPA”.
France moved and Denmark seconded to adopt the minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
5. Report of the Executive Committee
5.1 General Report
A very comprehensive written report on the last year’s activities and achievements had been circulated to the members in advance, including a separate written report on development initiatives (discussed during the conference).
On the request of Austria, further clarification was give on the situation with the European Union. It was reported that as of today all funds of the EU for sports for disabled had been cancelled, including support for the team’s participation at Paralympic Games. Mr Lindstrom had brought up the matter at the European Sports Forum and efforts continue to achieve some kind of a special status for sports for disabled. Relevant member nations will be kept informed as soon as more information is available.
Sverre Bergenholdt further reported on the problems of establishing efficient communication in connection to development initiatives and informed about the resignation of Helena Hankova and Lina Faria as members of the Development Committee. The Executive Committee was commissioned to work towards re-instating the Development Committee.
The Netherlands moved and Denmark seconded that the general report of the Executive Committee had been received. The motion carried unanimously.
5.2 Operations Plan 2000-2001
The planned operational activities for the year 2000 and 2001 were submitted in writing and extensively presented during the Conference .
Slovakia was invited to formally propose the additions to the planning as expressed during the Conference on October 15, 1999.
Slovakia moved and Portugal seconded to accept an official bid from the Slovak Paralympic Committee to host a EUROPC Development Conference in Slovakia in March 2000, with the assistance of the EUROPC Development Committee. The friendly amendment proposed by the President was accepted for the Executive Committee to undertake the conference with the provision that any resulting costs for EUROPC can be secured within the budget. The motion carried with 2 abstentions.
Slovakia moved and Austria seconded that in order to meet the needs of the European nations connected with the lack of knowledge and information on sports for athletes with a disability, especially on classification, EUROPC would take the necessary steps to provide countries with appropriate training in the form of yearly seminars supported by the EUROPC Development Committee. Mover and seconder accepted the friendly amendment to adopt this as a recommendation of the General Assembly for implementation in those cases when financial and human resources are available for it. The motion carried with one abstention.
It was acknowledged that above recommendations were partly included already in the operations plan points 1.4 and 3.2. Sverre Bergenholdt stated that above recommendations were not only the responsibility of the Development Committee, it has to be co-ordinated with the Sports Committees and funding must be secured. He felt that although the Development Committee could set the programme, the decision to carry out the project and its financial implications was a responsibility of the entire Executive Committee.
Karl Quade reported it was not useful to organise an overall classification seminar and suggested organising sport specific classification seminars in connection to European Championships. Slovakia explained that the intention was different from specialised classification seminars that are normally being run. It should provide very basic information and general education aimed at increasing the number of national TDs, and national classifiers, the number of coaches acquainted with sports for disabled, information on technical equipment, etc.
Cyprus moved and Iceland seconded for the General Assembly to adopt the proposed overall Operations Plan. The motion carried unanimously. (see operations plan included as appendix to these minutes)
The President thanked the members for the support they had expressed and promised the Executive Committee would do everything within their possibilities to carry out the plan. He stated the plan was very ambitious and would require the assistance of the member nations; he felt that the main problem would be the lack of human resources. The Treasurer presented details on the financing of the plan, which would in large be covered by the UEFA grant that had been received. An overall estimation is that USD 50.000 would be set aside to implement the two year plan.
Marketing Concept
The company ARGE RUHL-RUGO, contracted for the marketing of EUROPC, and also the marketing company working for the German Sports Federation for Disabled, made a presentation on the proposed concept. Written material was distributed to the member nations. The wish to co-operate with the member nations was underlined. The company guaranteed that existing contracts with sponsors would be respected, therefore a very close communication with the NPCs is required. It was announced that a questionnaire would be sent in short time in order to find out from each member nation what the NPCs’ sponsor commitments are.
Great Britain referred to the motion it had submitted to IPC re. the ownership of the logo and the exclusive rights for it in the country. Great Britain acknowledged the need for the marketing company to receive full co-operation from the NPCs in delivering information on the national sponsorship programmes; this in order to prevent ambush marketing. However, the company should not take direct contact with the sponsors in the countries. ARGE guaranteed that they would never approach a sponsor in a nation without involving the relevant NPC.
Mr. Lillieroos referred to the relationship with IPC and although recognising that a good marketing programme is not yet in place he remarked that also the rights of IPC need to be protected. He referred to the ownership of EUROPC over the European Championships but also to IPC sports involvement in those events. He asked about the plans to protect the rights of IPC.
The President reported that the issue was currently under discussion with the Chief Operating Officer and that efforts would continue in finding the best way of co-operation. He stated that the Executive Committee would of course respect the constitution, which states that EUROPC will respect IPC’s Top-Sponsor Programme as soon as it is established.
ARGE reported that meetings are being held with the IPC Chief Operating Officer and that every potential sponsor will be discussed with him.
Great Britain referred to the fact that the primary relation of an NPC is with IPC. It was recognised that the primary loyalty of the NPC would be to respect the IPC Top-sponsor programme when established, over the EPC marketing programme. The President acknowledged this and guaranteed the Executive Committee would work in close co-operation with IPC and would respect the Top-Sponsor programme when in place. Delegates felt that until such time that protected categories are announced by IPC, marketing initiatives from NPCs and EUROPC could not be blocked.
On the request of France, details were provided on the contract with ARGE and on the financial implications.
Denmark moved and the Netherlands seconded to formally commission the Executive Committee to continue working with the marketing agency and the programme as proposed and in accordance with the remarks made during the meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Finances
6.1 Audited accounts
Denmark moved and The Netherlands seconded to receive the auditor’s report on the 1997 accounts. The motion carried unanimously.
Denmark moved and The Netherlands seconded to receive the auditor’s report on the 1998 accounts. The motion carried unanimously.
6.2 Budget 1999
In addition to the papers submitted in advance the Treasurer presented an updated overview of income and expenditures as of September 30, 1999. (revised 1999 budget is included as appendix to these minutes)
The Treasurer presented the balance as of September 30, 1999 and explained that 2/3 of the capitation tax received had to be reimbursed to IPC and that a favourable balance was expected of USD 20.000 by the end of the year. This amount is set aside as a reserve fund for the operations in the year 2000 when there will be no income of capitation tax. (Balance as of 30-09-99 is included as appendix to these minutes)
6.3 Budget 2000
There were no other questions or comments raised with regards to the budget as proposed for the year 2000.
6.4 Appointment Auditor
Switzerland moved and France seconded to empower the Executive Committee to appoint Mr. Schartmann, German auditor currently also working for IPC, as auditor for the EUROPC accounts. The motion carried unanimously.
The Treasurer reported that IPC has intentions to appoint in the future a more internationally renowned auditing company and that it may be in the best interest of EUROPC to follow the IPC decision.
Switzerland moved and Spain seconded to commission the Executive Committee to appoint the same auditor as IPC at the time that IPC makes such changes. The friendly amendment of Denmark was accepted by the mover and seconder to empower the Executive Committee to appoint the auditor that best fits EUROPC, which may be the same auditor as IPC has appointed but not necessarily has to be the same. The motion carried unanimously.
6.5 Membership fee
The Czech Republic recommended an increase of the annual membership fee for the year 2000 and for the year 2001 to USD 300 per year.
Denmark suggested changing the currency from USD to EURO in order to stress the European identity and save bank costs. The Treasurer recommended to keep the USD as a currency for some more time and until more European nations were using the EURO currency. As a result of a lengthy discussion France moved and Germany seconded to replace the currency USD by EURO. The motion carried with 13 votes in favour, 9 votes against and 4 abstentions.
The Czech Republic moved and Croatia seconded to fix the annual membership fee to 300 EURO. The motion carried with 14 votes in favour, 8 votes against and 4 abstentions.
6.6 There were no other recommendations brought forward.
Great Britain moved and Iceland seconded that the report of the Treasurer had been received. The motion carried unanimously.
7. Competition Calendar
Dr. Karl Quade presented an overview of the competition cycles for the multi-disability sports up to the year 2005 and reported on bids being submitted, interests expressed to bid and European Championships open for bidding. (An updated Competition Caldendar is attached as an appendix to these minutes)
European Sport Co-ordinators for Equestrian, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Dance submitted reports and explained their respective competition cycles.
An appeal was made to the member nations to consider bidding for hosting European Championships in 2001, 2003 and 2005. Dr. Quade reminded that bids are only valid when submitted by the National Paralympic Committee.
Delegates stressed the importance to reinforce to Organising Committees that they have an obligation to include all relevant disabilities practising a specific sport. The President confirmed that it was a requirement for awarding the competition.
It was acknowledged that the IPC General Assembly in 1997 had mandated the Sports to co-ordinate the competition calendar but it was felt that this had not in all sports been successfully carried out. It was felt that EUROPC should be included as a consultative partner in the co-ordination process with regards to the European programme.
For the convenience of those nations that had not been able to send representatives to the Chef de Mission Seminar in Sydney, Dr. Karl Quade presented some of the key information from the seminar
8 Motions submitted to the EUROPC General Assembly
The President clarified that motions to amend the constitution require a two-third majority, which are 18 votes for this General Assembly.
8.1 Motions submitted by the Executive Committee
Denmark seconded the motion submitted by the Executive Committee to amend article 6.5.2 of the Constitution as follows:
6.5.2 to be the custodian of all assets and properties of the EUROPC to enter into all contracts and other obligations in the name of EUROPC to be responsible for the management and operations of the EUROPC, including filling casual vacancies in the positions of the Executive Committee or any sub-committee, until the next relevant Assembly (ordinary or extraordinary) where a new election shall be held.
The motion carried.
The Netherlands seconded the motion submitted by the Executive Committee to amend article 11.1 of the constitution as follows:
11.1 This constitution may be amended only by the General Assembly. Two-thirds of those attending and voting delegates have to approve the amendments. Amendments to the Constitution proposed by member organisations or the Executive Committee must be circulated by submitted to the Secretary General at least three months prior to the scheduled General Assembly and will be circulated to the member organisations not less than 6 weeks prior to the General Assembly.
The motion carried.
Switzerland seconded the motion submitted by the Executive Committee to amend the article 1.1 of the Constitution as well as further throughout the entire Constitution, the abbreviation of the European Paralympic Committee from EUROPC to EPC. The motion carried with 19 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 2 abstentions.
France moved and the Czech Republic seconded to ratify the choice of a new logo as a compromise of what was proposed to the General Assembly with the amendment that stars would be gradually increased in size. Switerland remarked that the inclusion of the full name of EPC would limit printing possibilities. Austria recommended not using a closed circle of stars but open the circle up into e.g. the shape of a wave. Mover and seconder accepted an amendment to the motion by commissioning the Executive Committee to decide on another configuration of the stars according to the directions given by the General Assembly. The motion carried with one abstention.
8.2 Motions submitted by France
France moved and Iceland seconded to change the article 9.1 in the constitution to increase the quorum from 1/3 to 60% of the members being present at a General Assembly in order to be able to decide on the expulsion of a member. Great Britain remarked that such important decision would only be taken if there were some kind of consensus among the members present. It was reported that the same quorum of 1/3 of the members is required within IPC. The motion was defeated.
As a result of the motion proposed by the Executive Committee to change the article 11.1 of the constitution, the motion that France had submitted with regards to a change in the timelines for circulating papers to the members had become redundant. France therefore withdrew its motion.
France moved and The Netherlands seconded to delete the Nominating Committee from the Constitution, thus deleting the article 8 and all its sub-articles. Reference was made to the fact that also IPC has deleted the nominations committee and that no nominations had been received for election onto the nominations committee. The motion carried with 18 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 3 abstentions.
8.3 No motions had been received from the Sports Committees.
8.4 Conference Recommendations
Women in Sport
Austria moved and France seconded to commission the President and the Executive Committee to approach IPC and todo all within their power to implement the following motions 1 and 2 submitted by Slovakia and Austria:
1) to protect the most threatened classes of female athletes by adoption of a special rule applicable for the Paralympic Games that allows to have the entry standards based on the results of their respective classes which then may be combined only after the final entries evaluation and in case of an insufficient number of entries in the respective class (6 participants, 4 nations). Only then such a class can be combined with another class of the least handicap.
2) to establish a working group to make any possible efforts to develop a new and better system for fair competition in track and field events allowing two or more underrepresented classes compete together based on similar principles as currently used in Alpine or Cross-country Skiing ( a so called KRECK-system) or functional classification as used in Swimming.
The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Fred Jansen suggested that if a Task Force is to be created, contact should be taken and data collected from the Sports Science Committee and the IPC Technical Officer who have started working on the issue of increasing the participation of women in sport. The President reported that he would first present the motions to the IPC Technical Officer. Dr. Karl Quade remarked that although the IPC Sports Council could be asked to support the motions in principle and from a philosophical point of view, the motion should be brought to the Athletics SAEC for immediate action. Mr. Lillieroos agreed that in most cases problems were generalised whereas in reality most of the problems occurred with Athletics.
Ice Curling
It was reported that as a follow up of last year’s Conference some initiatives were taken with regards to the development of Ice Curling. Switzerland invited delegates to attend a seminar on Ice Curling for athletes with disabilities that will be organised in co-operation with the Swiss Curling Association in connection to the World Championships Skiing in 2000 in Switzerland. An appeal was made to the members to contact their national curling federation and seek their support to develop the sport. Ice Curling for severely disabled can be developed and this would provide a good opportunity to include severely disabled athletes in Winter Sport Competitions.
9 Motions for the IPC General Assembly
Motions that was submitted for the 1999 IPC General Assembly were presented by the relevant nations that had submitted the motions to IPC. The President informed that discussion, but no voting on the motions could take place. The motions were discussed both during the Conference and partly during the General Assembly session. In some cases the member nations had rather similar opinions; reports on such common visions are listed in the Conference report.
10 Elections
10.1 Treasurer
Mr. Jos Mulder from the Netherlands was elected as Treasurer by acclamation.
10.2 Member at Large
Dr. Jens Bromann announced that in respect of the recommendation expressed at the 1998 General Assembly to include in the Executive Committee, representatives from Eastern European nations, and the fact that qualified people from Eastern Europe were nominated, he withdrew his candidature.
Candidates for election were then:
All candidates were offered the opportunity to make a short presentation. Mr. Alberto Joffre spoke on behalf of Mr. Felipe Ponce who was unable to attend for medical reasons.
Following individuals were elected as Member at Large:
11 Next meeting
It was announced that the dates for the General Assembly in 2001 would be depending on the dates for the IPC General Assembly, which is not yet decided. It was agreed to hold the EPC General Assembly approximately one month prior to the IPC General Assembly.
Dates for the EPC Conference in the year 2000 would be announced as soon as possible. The Secretary General is currently investigating possibilities. Delegates were asked to consider topics for next year’s Conference and to submit proposals to the Secretary General.
12 Adjournment
Denmark complimented the Executive Committee with the work they had carried out over the last year and stated that they had given proof EPC has a leadership it can be proud of.
The President thanked all delegates for the positive atmosphere during the meeting and thanked DBS for hosting the General Assembly.
The meeting was adjourned at 17.30hrs.
Hans Lindström
EPC President
Appendices: