Patrick Adiba (L), Atos Origin's Executive Vice President of Olympics and Major Events shakes hands with Sir Philip Craven, President of IPC, at the signing ceremony

Atos Origin signed an agreement with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in Beijing on January 28, 2008, becoming its worldwide IT partner.

Under the agreement, Atos Origin will contribute to the development of the Paralympic Movement through the creation of a system designed to manage information pertaining to athletes, including biographies and results.

"The Paralympic Games provide a stage for athletes with disabilities to demonstrate their willingness to meet challenges, as well as inspire and excite the world with their performances," said Sir Philip Craven, President of IPC, at the signing ceremony, "We hope the Paralympic Games can further promote such spirit, and attract more companies like Atos Origin to support the Paralympic Movement."

Atos Origin, which has worked with three Olympics since 2002 and is the worldwide IT partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), currently designs, builds and operates the IT project for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

According to Patrick Adiba, Atos Origin's Executive Vice President of Olympics and Major Events, the signing of the agreement marks a milestone in the company's history of supporting both the Olympic and Paralympic Games at a global level.

"We are honored and proud to become the worldwide IT partner of the IPC. It demonstrates that Atos Origin attaches the same level of importance to both the Olympic and the Paralympic Movements," he said.

In addition, Atos Origin also signed an agreement with the National Paralympic Committee of China (NPCC) whereby it would sponsor two Chinese Paralympic athletes - Li Duan and Bian Jianxin - and assist them in defending their titles at the Beijing 2008 Paralypic Games.

Li won two gold medals, in the men's F11 long jump and triple jump categories, at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Bian was the women's 48kg powerlifting champion at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.