"It's two

different things: the International Olympic Committee [IOC] represents

able-bodied athletes, while the International Paralympic Committee [IPC]

represents Paralympic athletes," Craig Spence, director of communications

at the IPC, told Business Insider. "That’s the simple fact." Spence

pointed out that the modern Olympic movement was founded in 1894, while the

first Paralympics did not take place until the summer of 1960. Disability sport

was widely introduced after World War II, as a means to encourage exercise

among those injured in the conflict.

"We have signed a

Memorandum of Understanding with the IOC, which is basically to extend our

co-operation to 2032, so nothing will change between now and then," he

said. This agreement between the Olympics and Paralympics allows the events to

run concurrently, and promises that the two bodies work together to promote the

"Paralympic brand." According to the document, they do this by

"deepening existing cooperation," and guaranteeing the

"financial stability and long-term viability of the IPC." It makes no

mention of a possible merger.

However, the Olympics

and the Paralympics aren't only separate because of tradition. There are also

more practical reasons, according to Spence. "If we combine the two, then

we would have 15,000 athletes," he said. "We would need a far bigger

athlete village. Logistically, the event would take probably five weeks to

complete and it just doesn't logistically make sense to bring the two

together."

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TRUE or FALSE?

The IPC is a branch of the IOC.

The Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games were organized in the same location for the first time in Rome.

Para-sport started as part of a rehabilitation program for veterans.

The IOC supports the IPC.

The Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games will merge in 2032.

Bringing together the Olympics & the Paralympics would be a logistical and practical nightmare.

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