Christchurch Earthquake Effect on IPC Athletics World Championships
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Local Organizing Committee are reviewing what effect Saturday’s earthquake in New Zealand has had on Christchurch staging the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships.
While infrastructure assessments to review the Athletics Stadium and Accommodation facilities take place this week, the IPC is advising all National Paralympic Committees that full planning towards next January’s competition is continuing.
Although too early to tell what impact Saturday’s earthquake 20km to the west of Christchurch has had, IPC’s Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez, has said the situation is being closely monitored.
He said: “Our thoughts are currently with those affected by this terrible event and we hope that those concerned can return to normal living as soon as possible.
“During this time we are working closely with the Local Organizing Committee to assess what impact Saturday’s quake might have on next January’s Games and we will keep all of our NPC’s updated on the situation.”
Taking place from 21-30 January 2011, the IPC Athletics World Championships are expected to see hundreds of athletes from around the globe compete in one of the last major gatherings before the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
For the latest updates about the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, please visit www.ipcathleticsworldchamps.com.
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Notes to the Editor:
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.
Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 167 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.
For further information, please contact Craig Spence, IPC Media & Communications Senior Manager, on tel: +49-228-2097-230, e-mail: craig.spence@paralympic.org or go to www.paralympic.org.
