Elite Paralympic
athletes set for 2017 return to Newham
The world's elite Paralympic
athletes are set to return to Newham in 2017 when the borough will
host the IPC Athletics World Championships at the Olympic stadium
in Stratford.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed
that the bid supported by Newham Council to host the event had been
successful.
The blue-chip meeting will take place in July 2017 just a month
before the same venue plays host to the IAAF World Athletics
Championships.
As a result, London will become the first city to host the two
Championships side-by-side, recreating the summer of sport which
transformed the British capital in the summer of 2012.
The IPC highlighted how the excellent experience for athletes and
spectators alike during the Paralympic Games had been a key factor
in their decision.
Newham had a key role in delivering the Paralympic Games as it
hosted the largest number of sporting event venues.
It also hosted training bases for Paralympic teams from around the
world and hundreds of Newham volunteers helped visitors enjoy the
biggest event of 2012.
Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham,
said: "The dual legacy promises of the 2012 Games were to transform
the East End of London and inspire a generation through sport. In
partnering to organise the 2017 IPC Athletics World Championships
Newham will not only help to secure that legacy, we will underline
our commitment to enhancing opportunities for people with
disabilities.
"After an inspirational summer in London 2012, including the most
successful Paralympic Games ever, there is no more fitting venue
for these championships than the Olympic Stadium in Newham."
Newham Council's chief executive, Kim Bromley-Derry said: "This is
excellent news that caps off an outstanding 2012 for Newham. The
London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games focused the eyes of
the world on Newham, London and the UK. It was our chance to shine
and we rose to the occasion.
"Through a lot of very hard work by the council and our partners,
we proved what was possible and helped create an incredible summer
for everyone. We can now build on the momentum from London 2012 and
work in partnership to deliver what I am sure will be a magnificent
event.
"This also underlines our commitment to building a real and
lasting legacy from the Games for all our residents."