Taking Aim

When someone say’s take aim, its normally related to the sport of Archery and given the recent earthquake in Mexico, many were wondering if the World Archery Championships in Mexico City would happen.

Now we are hearing that they will take place as planned and sights are set on the event running from October 15-22nd with notification from the World Archery that the event has not yet been postponed.

World Archery are scheduled to hold their Congress in Mexico’s capital, which was impacted by the 7.1 earthquake September 19 that has left 273 people dead.

It reported than 1,800 are injured with the disaster which has also hit the Mexican states of Puebla and Morelos, with the fear that others could still be trapped in buildings.

The International Paralympic Committee has however postponed both the World Para Swimming and World Para Powerlifting Championships scheduled September 30 and October 6 in Mexico City and was to have been part of a wider Para Sport Festival.

“On behalf of the global archery family, World Archery extends its deepest thoughts, sympathies and condolences to the people of Mexico following natural disasters that have resulted in the tragic loss of life and damage to buildings and infrastructure,” said World Archery’s secretary general Tom Dielen.

“World Archery has been in regular contact with the organisers of the upcoming World Archery Congress and Championships, due to be held in Mexico City in mid-October, to assess what effect these earthquakes might have on the event.

“We have been assured that, while the authorities’ immediate priority will be dealing with the aftermath of the earthquakes, the 2017 World Archery Congress and Championships should continue as planned.

“It is our hope that the finals arena, free to enter for spectators in the Zocalo at the end of the Championships, will act as a positive spectacle of sport and solidarity for the people of Mexico City.

“To that end, World Archery has committed to working with its partners to contribute to the rehabilitation and rebuilding effort of the city, and ensure these Championships leave a lasting and positive legacy during a difficult period of sadness and loss.”

National member associations will be given updates directly from the world governing body and it’s noted that staff from the Pan American Sports Organization, based in Mexico City, were also hit by the Quake.

Ivar Sisniega, the secretary general of the organisation, described roads as being like a “surfboard”.

More info to follow.