The next move in formalising the links between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will take place next year when the paralympic movement becomes a full member of the IOC.

Currently, the paralympic movement are not full members and have no voting rights within the IOC. The co-operation agreement between the two organisations, which together comprise the largest and second largest sporting events in the world, included the principle that the IPC president Dr Robert Steadward be co-opted as an IOC member. Steadward was duly elected at the last IOC session in September.

In tandem, the IOC have stated clearly that any bidding city that wishes to stage the games must also contain in their bid the specifications suitable for hosting the paralympics. The two come as one package. Atlanta were reluctant to also host the paralympics because of the additional cost and organisation, but did so when they came under pressure by the IOC.

It is believed that by linking the two bids, the paralympics will be guaranteed the best stadiums and living conditions for athletes. The IOC have said that this arrangement should be maintained for the future.

The IOC have also signed an agreement which ensures support for the IPC in various ways over the next several years including financial assistance. It is thought that the IOC will commit around $500,000 per year to the development and marketing of the paralympic movement.

"It is an important milestone in the history of our movement to liase even closer with the IOC in the future than has been for many years," said Steadward.