For Immediate Release

December 21, 2010

Strong international media interest in IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch in January

International media interest in the IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, from January 21-30 is extremely high with 120 media applications already received from 13 overseas countries.

Fiona Pickering, Paralympics New Zealand CEO and Chair, Local Organising Committee, said she was delighted with the level of media support for the event.

“There is still a month before competition begins and we are expecting several more New Zealand media applications. This figure of 120 does not include the full Sky TV production crew of approximately 50,” she said.

Countries interested are as varied as Brazil, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Australia, Colombia and the United Kingdom.

In what will be the last major gathering of international athletes before the London 2012 Paralympic Games, 1055 athletes from 79 countries have entered, including a nine-strong team from New Zealand.

A whole host of big name athletes are set to compete in Christchurch including South African `Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius, and American Paralympic gold medalists Jessica Galli and April Holmes.

Tickets to see the IPC Athletics World Championships, which runs from 21-30 January 2011, are now on-sale and can be purchased from www.ticketdirect.conz.

For the latest news about the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, please visit www.ipcathleticsworldchamps.com

For more information about Paralympics New Zealand please visit www.paralympics.org.nz

ENDS

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