The International Paralympic Committee, IPC, has postponed its world championships events following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake which has wreaked huge havoc in Mexico. The international committee postponed its powerlifting and swimming events following the devastating earthquake which has killed over 200 people. The IPC said this is the first time it had been forced to postpone a major championship.
Both events were postponed after the IPC consulted with local government and the organising committee.
The 2017 para-sport festival was scheduled to hold from September 30th to October 6th in the Mexican capital, with 1400 athletes and officials 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," IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement.
"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."
Parsons said arrangements were being made for a safe departure of delegations that had already arrived in the capital.
