IPC Chief Gonzalez Predicts Quality Competition at Parapans

The 2011 Parapan American Games to be held 12-20 November in Guadalajara, Mexico will offer the highest level of competition because the event is a qualifier to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

This is according to International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez who said the 13 sport event is one of the most important in the Paralympic calendar.

“Some of the athletes here will go onto win medals at the London Paralympic Games,“ said Gonzalez. “Therefore, there will be a good representation of some very powerful countries as well as other smaller nations like Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Cuba. In addition to medal winners in London we are anticipating the arrival of a new generation of athletes who will surely compete in Rio 2016.”

The IPC chief also added that besides being a top quality continental competition, the Games will also be an inclusive event as work has been carried out with the Guadalajara 2011 Organizing Committee to adapt the Pan American Village, the sports venues, public spaces, and transportation for the use of the people with an impairment who will participate in the competitions.

“We expect to have a very, very good edition of the Games with relevant media coverage for Mexico and other countries.”

Lastly, Gonzalez confirmed that he expected Brazil, Mexico, USA, and Canada to be the strongest performing nations in the Games.

A total of 1,500 athletes are expected to participate in Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Football 5-a-side, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis, Archery and Sitting Volleyball.