IOC chief arrives in Sydney for Paralympics

The 80-year-old Spaniard, who rated last month's Sydney Games as the best Olympics ever, said he was in Sydney to enjoy the Paralympics.

He was greeted at Sydney International Airport by Olympics Minister Michael Knight, who announced his decision to quit politics just days after being awarded the gold Olympic order for his work as head of the Sydney 2000 organizing committee.

As New South Wales state Olympics Minister, Knight was also responsible for guiding the Sydney Paralympic Organizing Committee.

Samaranch will attend Wednesday's opening ceremony at Stadium Australia, which was also the venue for the Sept. 15-Oct. 1 Sydney Olympics.

"I think the Paralympic Games will be a great success because it is the same organizers and volunteers which made the Sydney (Olympic) Games successful," he said.

On Thursday, Samaranch will present to the people of Sydney the Olympic Cup, a non-competition honor usually awarded to organizations which make a significant contribution to the Olympics.

Samaranch decided to award the Olympic Cup to the people of Sydney due to the spirit of fair play and welcoming attitude that highlighted the 2000 Summer Games.

Sydney Lord Mayor will accept the award at a ceremony at Sydney's Town Hall.

Samaranch, who will retire next year after 20 years as IOC president, was scheduled to leave Australia on Saturday.

(AP)