2015 Global Games: UPDATE REGARDING VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN ECUADOR

Further to our update last week regarding the increased activity of the Cotapaxi Volcano in Ecuador, we have continued to liaise closely with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2015 Global Games and sought advice from a number of official sources including the Ecuadorian Institute of Geophysics, embassies and government.

The security and safety of athletes during the Games is our primary concern and both World Intellectual Impairment Sport officials and the LOC are working hard to ensure the Games can take place safely and successfully.

Due to their close proximity to the volcano the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Governing Board has this week approved the relocation of athletics and table tennis competition away from their intended venues in Latacunga, and we continue to assess the safety and potential impact in other sports. World Intellectual Impairment Sport is currently finalising details of these changes with the LOC and will confirm details – together with how these changes will be managed – at the earliest opportunity.

This is a particularly busy time both for World Intellectual Impairment Sport and the LOC and we ask for your patience and understanding. Despite the challenges we face, we remain confident that the 2015 Games will be a fantastic showcase of sport for athletes with an intellectual disability at its very best.

Finally, our thoughts and best wishes are also extended to the people of Ecuador who currently live under the threat of this volcanic eruption.