"EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WAS DONE"
ANDREW FLEMING, President of APOC (Atlanta Paralympic Organizing Committe)	"These Paralympic Games are going to be difficult to forget". Mr Fleming made this categorical, optimistic affirmation following this interview which we reproduce below. This was just one day before the closure of the "unforgettable games". But the truth of the matter was rather different, as the expression on his face denoted. He received us in a somewhat unusual manner for this sort of interview: we had to witness one of the POWERLIFTING finals - his favourite sport - and, between one lifter and another, we put our questions to him. It was a real juggling act for both parties, the interviewee and the interviewer. This was the result.
P: Sr. Fleming, a un día de la clausura de los Juegos Paralímpicos, ¿puede hacernos una valoración global? Q : Mr Fleming, one day before the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, could you give us your overall appraisal? A : I think that a positive assessment must be made, particularly in two aspects. There was a considerable increase in the number of athletes participating with respect to previous editions of the Games and, in addition, the whole world witnessed the highly competitive standard; the proof is to be found in the large number of World and Paralympic records that were broken here. Q : Many countries fell victim to a certain degree of disorganization upon arrival - up to six hours of a wait - and no official notice was published about this. What were the real reasons behind this delay? A : The news I received was not so alarming. Nevertheless, it was all provoked by a crash in the computerized system set up to handle the accreditation process for the different national teams. In any case, we did all we could to resolve this and all the other problems that arose throughout the competition, particularly when you take into account the means we had at our disposal(?). As I am sure you will understand, one cannot provide solutions for all the difficulties that may crop up. Q : Following the manner in which these Games have evolved, in general terms, are you in favour of a debate regarding public or private financing for the next edition? A : From my viewpoint at the present time, the private financing we have enjoyed has proved tremendously positive. The proof can be seen from the sponsors. I can now tell you that IBM, one of our principal sponsors, has already committed itself to sponsoring the SYDNEY 2000 PARALYMPIC GAMES. We do, however, have to admit that there were certain organizational gaps that, obviously, private financing could not fill. Take for example the construction of the Olympic stadium. Q : Speaking of organizational matters, the official protocol was not exactly up to par. Why was that? A : To be perfectly honest, I have not received any complaints along those lines. Q : We have taken the liberty of conducting a survey amongst the delegates of a number of countries and many of them coincide, for example, in the opinion that the medal-presentation ceremonies were a real mess. A : It is possible that there were certain shortcomings on some occasion, but our protocol service was always on hand whenever they were called upon. IPC AND THE MEDIA Q : What is your opinion of the Federations' stance before the IPC? A : Regarding this question, I must admit that I had a heated and rather awkward conversation with Mr Samaranch (President of the International Olympic Committee). The only thing I can say is that, without uniting forces, nothing can be achieved, and the fact that the Federations are taking one path and the IPC another has not done any good at all for disabled sports. I have a well-founded belief that things will return to normal. However, let me tell you something; I am really surprised by the leadership role adopted by IBSA before the IPC. Q : Are you satisfied with the repercussion of the Paralympics in the media? A : The information offered on the Games in the city of ATLANTA has been quite good, although one must take into account the fact that other sporting events have been going on at the same time, for example some BASEBALL matches of quite some importance for the city's local team - the ATLANTA BRAVES. Nevertheless, as regards the rest of the United States and other countries, I cannot answer your question as I do not have the necessary information. It is certainly true that the coverage could have been much better. Q : The lack of spectators has been quite noticeable in many competitions, if we leave swimming aside. Do you believe this was caused by the entrance not being free? A : The truth is that the people of Atlanta may have been a trifle reluctant when it came to dipping into their pockets for $15. However, I would make a more profound interpretation. The mass of the general public was not mentally prepared for going to watch disabled competitions. It is obvious that they prefer to stay home watching basketball or baseball. Q : Do you believe the economic results of the Games are going to be positive? A : The accounts have, logically enough, not been closed yet but, from the data we have been handling daily, we shall achieve the optimum result of INCOME EQUALS EXPENSES. But for me the most significant thing is not this aspect, but rather that we have provided a good service. Q : Finally, have you felt abandoned at any time by the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games? A : Of course not. Quite the contrary. As you are well aware, the IOC has been our principal sponsor and as an example I can tell you that all the Olympic installations were conceded totally free.
Javier Aguado