Major Local Sponsor Announced for IPC Athletics World Championships

As the countdown to next January’s IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand continues, the Local Organizing Committee has announced that a local charity is to support the event.

Pub Charity, a charitable trust with more than 20 years history of fundraising for organizations in New Zealand, has approved just under NZ $800,000 for both the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships and Paralympics New Zealand.

Established in 1987 Pub Charity has raised more than NZ$350 million in donations for a wide range of community organizations including community groups, sports club and organizations, cultural groups, emergency services, youth and education and health.

Fiona Pickering, Paralympics New Zealand Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, said: “This support will significantly escalate the development of Paralympic Sport within New Zealand. New Zealanders are great supporters of Paralympic Sport and more and more people are taking a greater interest in athletes with a disability’s achievements. Yet we still face challenges in achieving an equitable level with their able-bodied counterparts.

“Pub Charity’s commitment to support the further development of Paralympic Sport within New Zealand through to London 2012 Paralympic Games is to be applauded. This is a charitable trust with a focus on supporting communities all over New Zealand. With one in five people in New Zealand having some form of disability we will work together to showcase this World Championship event to inspire all New Zealand communities.”

There are now less than 100 days to go until the IPC Athletics World Championships which will take place 21-30 January 2011. More than 1,000 athletes from over 70 countries including world record holders, world and Paralympic champions are expected in Christchurch for the last major gathering of international athletes before the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Amongst some of the famous names who have confirmed their participation in the event is world famous athlete Oscar Pistorius who is part of South Africa's 35-strong team. Pistorius will be competing in the 100m, 200m and 400m T44 - all races he won four years ago at the last IPC Athletics World Championships in Assen, the Netherlands.

Joining Pistorius in Christchurch are the fastest Paralympians on the planet over 100m, Ireland's Jason Smyth (men’s T13 world record holder at 10.62 seconds) and Brazil's Terezinha Guilhermino (women’s T11 world record holder since 2007).