May 24 - Leaders of the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro say the event should bring a change of attitude in Brazil about sport for disabled persons.

IPC Executive Director Xavier Gonzalez is making sure Rio de Janeiro can host the 2016 Paralympics.

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman and Brazil Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons were among those taking part in a seminar March 21 and 22 in Rio de Janeiro to lay the groundwork for preparation of the 2016 Paralympics.

Taking part on behalf of the International Paralympic Committee were Vice President Greg Hartung and Secretary General Xavier Gonzalez. The meeting followed the first meeting of the IOC Coordination Commission for 2016, of which Hartung is also a member.

"It's very important that the particularities of the Paralympic Games are understood. It should focus on accessibility and inclusion," said Nuzman after the Paralympics seminar Saturday (May 22).

"We have seen that actions are needed in the coverage of transportation, accommodations and infrastructure, but most important are actions that change people's attitudes for the disabled," Nuzman said.

Rio hosts Judo World Cup

Rio played host to the Brazil Grand Slam in Judo over the weekend.

The event was the first qualifying event for the 2012 Olympic tournament in London.

According to the International Judo Federation (IJF), 8,000 fans came to Maracanazinho sports hall, one of the venues for the 2016 Olympics.

Four Olympic champions, and 21 medalists were part of the 358 judoka who competed.

A report on the IJF's website praised the "Olympic spirit" at the event.

(The End)