Athletics Australia – News – Let the Games begin!

International Paralympic Committee Vice President Greg Hartung and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key have officially opened the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In a parade of vibrant colour, over 1000 athletes from more than 70 countries, including 46 Australians, marched through the city streets to Christchurch’s historic Cathedral Square, where they were welcomed by Mr Hartung.

Hartung, who is also the President of the Australian Paralympic Committee, was particularly honoured to welcome the Australian Team, who entered the square proudly behind their Flag Bearer, five-time Paralympian and recent Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Hamish MacDonald.

“It’s great that we’ve got such a fantastic bunch of athletes,” said Hartung.

“This is a qualifying event and spots will be awarded for the 2012 London Games as a consequence of this competition.  It’s very important for Australian athletes that we do well here so that we can get as many spots as we possibly can for London.”

After facing the traditional Maori Haka, Hartung praised Christchurch for its hospitality in welcoming so many athletes to its city, for what promises to be an exciting nine days of competition.

“It’s a great credit, particularly to the people of Christchurch who have been through some tremendous difficulties in the last few months, particularly with the major earthquake in September. Those of us who have been here for the last few days know that the aftershocks are still being felt,” he said.

Yesterday’s 5.1 aftershock, the region’s biggest since the September quake, was followed by another major rattle that measured 4.4 on the Richter scale early this morning.

“It’s a wonderful testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Christchurch that despite the adversity, they’ve managed to put on this event and welcome so many athletes from around the world.”

Australian Team Leader Rohan Short is excited by the level of talent the Australian team offers and with 16 debutantes in the squad, believes these Championships will provide a valuable preview of London.

“This is the first real assembly of the team since Beijing and modelling how our team will hopefully operate in London is one of my main goals. I want to make sure that every time athletes represent this country they’re giving their absolute best in the quest for gold,” said Short.

“This will also be a real test for our young athletes and a good learning opportunity for them to compete on the international stage for the first time.”

Competition begins tomorrow with 17 Australians taking to the track and field at QEII Stadium. 

Athletes to watch include triple Paralympic gold medallist Evan O’Hanlon who will commence the first of his five events with the F37/38 long jump for athletes with cerebral palsy. O’Hanlon’s future will soon be told after he boldly predicted a five gold medal haul.

Flag bearer Hamish MacDonald together with Damien Bowen will also contest the F34 shot put in what is shaping up to be a tightly fought battle between the pair. MacDonald narrowly beat Bowen to the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and at last week’s warm-up meet in Sydney, threw 10.92m and is confident he can reach 11m to secure a medal.

Madison de Rozario and Angie Ballard will line up in the first heat for the T53 100m wheelchair sprint while their male counterparts Matthew Cameron, Sam Carter and Richard Nicholson will battle for a place in the T54 100m semi-final.

Athletics Australia – News