IPC President praises Nottwil 2017

"Giving youngsters the opportunity to experience a major competition away from home is a real stepping stone on the road to Paralympic success."

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven has praised the 2017 World Para Athletics Junior Championships which closed in Nottwil, Switzerland, on Sunday (6 August) as a stepping stone on the road to Paralympic success.

Nearly 270 youngsters from 40 countries, all aged under 20 years, competed in Nottwil from 3-6 August in the first ever World Championships for junior track and field athletes. With 24 athletes, Iran sent the largest delegation, followed by the USA (20), Germany (17), Mexico (16) and Spain (15).

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “The first World Para Athletics Junior Championships is a real milestone in the development of Para athletics. Taking place so soon after London 2017, the event provided the perfect opportunity for youngsters to emulate the heroes they saw compete in the London Stadium just a few weeks ago.

“Giving youngsters the opportunity to experience a major competition away from home is a real stepping stone on the road to Paralympic success. By creating a pathway from junior level to the Paralympic Games, I am confident that we will increase the depth of athletic talent around the world and also improve the quality.

“While it is fantastic that 40 National Paralympic Committees sent athletes to this inaugural event, I’m disappointed that a number of major nations, renowned for athletic success, were visibly absent.

“I am sure these nations will look back at Nottwil 2017 as a missed opportunity to develop young talent on the world stage. No doubt, they will see the success of this year’s event and will be eager to sign up for the 2019 edition.”

Competing nations and number of participating athletes

Argentina 12

Australia 12

Austria 2

Belarus 3

Belgium 3

Brazil 10

Bulgaria 2

Canada 5

Chile 2

Colombia 7

Croatia 4

Czech Republic 3

Ecuador 3

Finland 2

France 1

Germany 17

Great Britain 14

Hong Kong 2

Iceland 4

India 6

Iran 24

Italy 9

Jamaica 5

Japan 14

Kazakhstan 1

Korea 4

Lithuania 2

Mexico 16

Namibia 1

New Zealand 4

Norway 3

Poland 7

Portugal 6

Saudi Arabia 3

South Africa 2

Spain 15

Switzerland 4

Turkey 6

UAE 8

USA 20