(ATR) A special tribute during the opening ceremony of the London 2017 Para Athletics World Championships will recognize Abdullah Hayayei’s accomplishments in para-sport.
The 36-year-old Paralympian died on July 11 from a tragic accident where a metal pole at the athletics training facility fell and struck him, according to a Met Police spokesperson. A moment of silence will be held to recognize Hayayei during the opening ceremony on Friday, July 14.
Co-chairman of the London 2017 Organizing Committee Ed Warner expressed his condolences for the devastating incident.
"Everyone within the London 2017 organizing committee is shocked and saddened," Warner said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Abdullah’s family and team-mates at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them. We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed."
Hayayei competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympics where he finished sixth in the javelin F34 classification and seventh in shot put F34 for the United Arab Emirates. He was preparing for his second world championships following his debut in 2015 in Doha, Qatar where he finished fifth in discus F34 and eighth in shot put F34. F34 competitors make their throws from a fixed, seated position.
Hayayei was set to compete in all three throws of shot put, discus and javelin at the upcoming championships in London.
President of the International Paralympic Committee Philip Craven said the entirety of the movement is in shock by the incident.
"We are all truly devastated by this tragic news and the passing of Abdullah," Craven said in a statement. "The thoughts, prayers and condolences of the whole Paralympic Movement are with Abdullah’s family, friends and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee of the UAE."
This tragedy marks the second active Paralympian to die in training or during competition in the last year. At the Rio 2016 Paralympics, Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad suffered a fatal cardiac episode following a crash through a mountainous stretch of the Rio road race.
The London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships will now open with the tribute to Hayayei with the event concluding on July 23.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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