NZ hosts 2011 IPC Athletics World Champs

The International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships will be held outside of Europe for the first time in 2011, when Christchurch hosts the event.

The IPC champs are the world’s second biggest sports event for athletes with a disability.  More than 1,300 athletes from 70 countries plus 900 officials, coaches, managers and 150 international technical officials will attend.

The IPC event is just one in a bumper year for New Zealand, which culminates with the hosting of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in September and October.

Organisers of the IPC champs say over-whelming local and central governmental support and joint commitment by all parties, including Athletics New Zealand, was fundamental in securing the event for New Zealand.  NZ Major Events, SPARC and Christchurch City Council have given considerable support and made considerable financial investment.

In January, the Prime Minister announced a Government grant of $400,000 for the event.  He says it will be a great opportunity for athletes to showcase their potential and the first time it has been held outside Europe.

The Prime Minister had also accepted the position of Patron of the championships, which will run from 21-30 January 2011.

Neil Blanchfield will manage the championship.  He was heavily involved in winning this event for New Zealand and Christchurch and has previously worked on the World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival, two World Wheelchair Games, IPC Swimming World Champs, FINA World Masters Swimming Championships, World Firefighters Games, Boccia World Cup and World MaxiBasketball Championships.

This event will include track and field events for athletes with a disability such as amputees, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and the visually impaired.  It will be staged at the QEII Stadium and a second temporary training track will be in place for the championships.