Scent of a Woman Ioanna Karyofylli European Paralympic Committee Member Hellenic Paralympic Committee Member General Manager ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games Women in Paralympic Sport Leadership Summit for Europe

No (wo)mans land In the Past women did not participate in Science Arts Society Literature Only very few exceptions This “avaton” – (barrier) existed also in sports

First women participated in Paris Olympic Games 1900 Charlotte Cooper won first Gold Medal in Tennis Until the 2 nd World War no further progress First participation

The last 30 years social conditions have changed Mentality and attitude changed 1976 – 1992 tremendous progress First participation (continued)

Paralympic Games Atlanta Men 780 Women (24,5%) Sydney Men 978 Women (25,4%) Athens Men 1206 Women (30,4%)

Participation still very limited Limited presence all over the world Also in European Countries Existed in a great extend in Greece in the past In a smaller scale still exists today Women in decision positions in Sport

Step by step … Public servant in the Deputy Ministry of sport since I took the position of Director of Sport for people with a disability Promising message: both the State and the sports associations had the same vision to develop sports for people with a disability

New framework for sport for people with a disability in Greece A new institutional framework for sport for people with a disability was completed New Law now ensured that disabled athletes got equal treatment with non-disabled athletes Formation of the National Paralympic Sports Federations and the establishment of a new Paralympic Committee

Step 2 – President of the HPC First woman who had been President of the Paralympic Committee in Greece Person without any disability in my family environment I had, firstly, to persuade that “I could and I wanted” and secondly to “organise and implement Peak at the Paralympic Games of Sydney.

2 nd Step Hellenic Paralympic Committee President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee until May 2004 Member from 2000 until 2007 Active and dynamic presence

3 rd Step ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games Division Consultant to all ATHENS 2004 Divisions Developed communication specific projects to raise awareness

Mission Statement Focusing on the athlete and not on disability, the Athens Paralympic Games will provide to the spectators, viewers and volunteers a unique experience showcasing the athletes’ pursuit of a lifetime performance. Vision The ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games will present an elite competition of the highest standards, integrated with a unique historical, cultural and natural environment.

Kalipateira Kalipateira was founded 30 years ago and is the only purely women’s sport association recognized by the ministry of Sport and the Hellenic Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Major objectives of “Kalipateira” dissemination of the Olympic Ideal and the promotion of sport among youth.

Conclusion Promote the role of women in administration and decision-making centers Increase the number of women participating at administrative level Support the career of women by providing them more opportunities to participate in administraqtive level Creation of the necessary mechanisms that would safeguard young women having a word to say Encourage Mass media to cover the quality, and benefits that females get from Sports

Scent of a Woman Women - Creative in their nature Creativity Persistence Endurance Diplomacy Sensitivity Fantasy For the excellence and the success you need both halves – Men and Women