IPC World Athletics Championships 2011

Great Events successfully bids for the 2011 IPC World Athletics Championships

Neil Blanchfield was the key driver in getting the bid for the Championships underway and, against top international opponent, Barcelona, recently won the rights to host the next Championships.

The biggest event of its kind outside the Paralympic Games, the IPC Athletics World Championships are held every four years and involve over 1200 athletes, 900 officials and 200 media representatives. It is expected to have an economic impact to New Zealand in excess of $72 million.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has fully supported the New Zealand bid application and has accepted the role of Patron of the Bid Trust.

This event will include track and field events for athletes with disabilities such as spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy, as well as amputees and the visually-impaired. The event will be staged at the QE11 Stadium and a second temporary training track will be required. The athletes, officials and supporters will be in the City for approximately 16 days.

Simon Peterson, Chairman of Paralympics New Zealand, said that the lasting legacy of the event will have a significant impact on the participation of disabled people in sport and the future of Paralympic sports in New Zealand.

"The overwhelming local and central governmental support and joint commitment by all parties, including Athletics NZ, towards hosting the World Championships has been amazing.

"New Zealand Major Events, SPARC and Christchurch City Council have all given considerable support and financial investment to help secure the successful rights to host the event,” Peterson said.

Find out more by visiting www.christchurch2011.com.