ATHENS, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Friday reaffirmed its vision, hoping that athletes with disabilities will "inspire the world" with their sport excellence.

    "The IPC firmly believes the unlimited athletic potential of persons with a disability, and thereby embraces the achievements of Paralympic athletes," the organization said in its position statement on human rights released at the International Paralympic Symposium on Human Rights in the Greek capital.

    The statement also calls for universal acceptance of equal opportunities for people with disabilities worldwide in terms of their sports development, participation, training and recognition of their sports achievements.

    The one-day symposium is aimed to increase the awareness of the human rights of persons with a disability emphasizing the right to inclusion in society and sport.

    The symposium was attended by IPC President Phil Craven, UN Special Advisor to the Secretary General on Sport and Development Adolf Ogi as well as representatives from national Paralympic committees and disability sports organizations.

    Human rights for persons with a disability, including the rights for sport participation, has gained momentum over the last decade. Numerous international initiatives including the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002 and the African Decade of Disabled Persons 2000-2009, the European Year of People with a Disability 2003 were created to further the equalization of persons with a disability.

    The IPC hopes that the Athens Paralympic Games will play an important role in promoting Paralympic sports and rights for persons with disabilities. Enditem