Strong International Media Interest in IPC Athletics World Championships

International media interest in the 2011 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, from 21-30 January is high with 120 media applications already received from 13 overseas countries.

Fiona Pickering, Paralympics New Zealand CEO and Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, said she was delighted with the level of media support for the event.

“There is still a month before competition begins and we are expecting several more New Zealand media applications. This figure of 120 does not include the full Sky TV production crew of approximately 50,” she said.

Countries interested are as varied as Brazil, Egypt, Finland, Switzerland, Algeria, Australia, Colombia and the United Kingdom.

In what will be the last major gathering of international athletes before the London 2012 Paralympic Games, 1055 athletes from 79 countries have entered, including a nine-strong team from New Zealand.

A whole host of big name athletes are set to compete in Christchurch including South African `Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius, and American Paralympic gold medalists Jessica Galli and April Holmes.

Tickets to see the IPC Athletics World Championships are now on-sale and can be purchased from www.ticketdirect.co.nz.