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UEL set to host athletes for 2017 IPC Games

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Wheelchair basketball

The University of East London (UEL) is set to host the world’s top Paralympic athletes following today’s announcement that the 2017 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships will be held in London.

The successful bid by the Greater London Authority (GLA) proposed that the Main Athletes’ Village - for athletes and the majority of National Paralympic Committee team officials – be located at UEL’s Docklands campus. The campus previously hosted the training camp for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) during the London 2012 Games.

Speaking in response to the IPC’s decision, UEL Pro Vice-Chancellor, Selena Bolingbroke, said: “We are absolutely delighted that London has once again been chosen to stage such a major sporting event, which is testament to the resounding success and legacy of this summer’s spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As a university, we are equally thrilled that UEL has been selected to host the Main Athletes’ Village. This is yet another important milestone in our bid to become London’s best university for sport by 2015.

“During the London 2012 Games, we gained invaluable first-hand experience working with major organisations such as the US Paralympics team and British Men and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team. We will draw on that experience and work in close partnership with colleagues at the GLA and IPC as we welcome the world’s best Paralympic athletes in 2017.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of the London Borough of Newham, said: “The dual legacy promises of the 2012 Games were to transform the East End of London and inspire a generation through sport. In partnering to organise the 2017 IPC Athletics World Championships, Newham will not only help to secure that legacy, we will underline our commitment to enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities. After an inspirational summer in London 2012, including the most successful Paralympic Games ever, there is no more fitting venue for these championships than the Olympic Stadium in Newham.”

For more information, contact

Sara Hazzard , Head of Comms and PR,
email: hazzard@uel.ac.uk or phone 020 8223 2249

Chris Underwood, Senior Press Officer
email: c.underwood@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 2062

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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