Govt helps fund games for disabled

Taxpayers will contribute $400,000 towards the New Zealand staging of the biggest competition for disabled athletes outside the Paralympics.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships will be held for the first time outside Europe when they are hosted by Christchurch next year.

About 1300 athletes and more than 1000 officials, coaches and managers from 70 countries are expected. It is estimated that New Zealand will benefit to the tune of more than $72 million from 17,000 nights of accommodation and other visitor spending.

Prime Minister John Key, who is patron of the championships, announced yesterday that the Government would contribute $400,000. He said the event would be a "world-class" lead-up to the 2012 Paralympics in London.

IPC chief executive Xavier Gonzalez said it was very difficult choosing Christchurch over Barcelona.

"Barcelona is my hometown, so you can see my difficulty. But after just two days in the city I know we have made the right choice."

Christchurch had the experience of hosting big events, and the people were passionate about supporting the championships, he said.

Paralympic sport was about breaking boundaries and opening up new frontiers, so it was appropriate to move out of the comforts of Europe.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said the flat geography of the city was also an asset when it came to accommodating disabled athletes.

The championships, held from January 22-30 next year, will cover track and field events for athletes with disabilities such as spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy, as well as amputees and the visually impaired.