IPC Postpones Mexico City 2017 World Championships

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has postponed the World Para Swimming and World Para Powerlifting Championships which were due to begin in Mexico City on 30 September following Tuesday’s (19 September) devastating earthquake in the country. The decision was taken following an assessment of the current situation and after close liaison with the Local Organising Committee and the City of Mexico government.

Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude quake has left hundreds dead and caused major damage to buildings and infrastructure in Mexico City and the surrounding area. Although the two venues that were set to host the Championships – the Francisco Marquez Olympic Swimming Pool and the adjacent Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gymnasium – appear to have sustained only minor damage, a full structural assessment needs to be conducted. In addition some of the hotels set to accommodate athletes and related infrastructure have been badly damaged.

Around 1,400 athletes, officials and staff were due to be in Mexico City for the 2017 Para Sport Festival which was to feature both the World Para Swimming and World Para Powerlifting Championships between 30 September and 6 October. A small number of team delegations had already arrived in the city for training camps ahead of the event and all have indicated they are safe following Tuesday’s earthquake.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: "Following the terrible earthquake our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the people of Mexico at this time. The tragic loss of life and devastation caused is heart breaking to see and our deepest sympathies are with all those involved.

"As a result of this tragedy, we are in full agreement that the immediate focus of the Mexican authorities should be on prioritising recovery and rebuilding for the Mexican people and not organising two major international sport events. Therefore, we have agreed with the Local Organising Committee and City of Mexico government to postpone the upcoming World Championships in Para swimming and Para powerlifting until further notice.

"I know the postponement of both Championships will be disappointing news to all the athletes who were set to take part, however these are unique circumstances and quite simply this is the right thing to do at the moment.

"Our immediate priority now is to work with the team delegations currently in Mexico City to ensure their safe departure. We will then assess whether we can reorganise these Championships in the near future in Mexico City or seek alternatives."

This is the first time the IPC has had to postpone a major Championships in its history.

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Notes to the Editor:

For further information, please contact Craig Spence, IPC Director of Media and Communications on +49 170 3899982 or e-mail: craig.spence@paralympic.org . Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. It co-ordinates the organisation of the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for 10 sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC’s vision is to enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.

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