IWAS in race against time
With less than three days to go for the start of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games 2009, the organisers are involved in a race against time to get the venues ready.
The Sree Kanteerava indoor and outdoor stadiums, the main venues, are not yet fully ready for the games even though the organisers assured that things will be in place on time.
“Some basic faclilities, which are especially needed for the physically challenged, have to be upgraded at the indoor stadium,” Jan Bockweg, the Games Technical Manager said.
The Dutchman said he was surprised that the Sree Kanteerava stadium, the main venue, was not yet ready. “It (Sree Kanteerava) should have been ready at least a week ago,” Bockweg said. “My main concerns were the work on the ramps and the cleanliness of the toilets. But things will soon be sorted out and there are no causes for worry. The organisers have assured me that good facilities will be put in place before the start of the games.”
The opening ceremony is scheduled for next Tuesday and competitions will kick off a day later but the classification of the athletes will be done on Monday.
Bockweg, however, praised the efforts of the organisers in bringing out a Technical Handbook which was released by the State Sports and Youth Services Minister Goolihatti D Shekar on Thursday. “The Paralympic Committee of India has done a good job in bringing out the rule book as it is only the second technical handbook brought out by a paralympic committee,” said Bockweg.
PCI president R Rathan Singh said delay in getting clearance had held up preparations. “We waited for permission from the Indian Olympic Association as the National Youth Games was scheduled to be held during this time. We got the permission late but we started work as soon as we got the permission.”
Over 800 athletes from 43 countries will take part in 10 disciplines of the games which conclude on December 2.
