The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has decided to postpone the World Swimming and Weightlifting that will be held in Mexico City from next day 30 after the “devastating earthquake recorded in the country,” which has caused more than two hundred deaths so far .
“The decision has been taken after analyzing the current situation and in coordination with the local organizing committee and the government of Mexico City,” the IPC said in a statement, referring to the damage caused in many buildings by the movement, of 7.1 degrees of magnitude.
“Although the two venues that will host the competitions, the Olympic swimming pool Francisco Marquez and the gym Juan de la Barrera, it seems that only suffered minor damages, it is necessary a total revision of its structures. In addition some related infrastructures and hotels in the that were going to accommodate athletes have been badly damaged, “said the Committee.
Both World Cups were expected to congregate about 1,400 athletes between September 30 and October 6, although a small number of delegations had already moved to Mexico City to begin training in the facilities enabled for it.
“We fully agree with Mexican authorities that the priority at the moment is to help the victims and rebuild the destroyed areas instead of organizing major sporting events,” said Brazilian IPC President Andrew Parsons.
After transferring his condolences for the deceased and showing his regret for the event, Parsons referred to the agreement with the local organizing committee and the government of Mexico City to postpone the competitions, which “is the right decision at the moment.”
“Our immediate priority now is to work with the delegations that are already in Mexico to ensure they have a safe way out. We will analyze if we can reorganize these competitions in the near future in Mexico City or look for other alternatives,” he added.
