Posted: February 26, 2007

Athletics: IPC Trials to take place at Boiling Point Wheelchair Track Classic

OTTAWA – Athletics Canada is thrilled to announce that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has awarded the Boiling Point Wheelchair Track Classic the honour of hosting the 2007 IPC Qualification Trials for the men’s and women’s wheelchair 1500 metre demonstration events being staged at the 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The IAAF World Championships take place August 25 to September 2 in Osaka, Japan. Jean Laroche, Paralympic Programs Head Coach, is excited that Canada is hosting the trials; “It is with great satisfaction that we will host, for the third time, the World Trials. It will give Canadians a chance to see some of the best 1500 metre wheelchair racers from around the world.” Laroche is aware of Windsor’s impressive hosting history; “With the energy displayed by the host committee, there is no doubt that this event will be a huge success for our Paralympic program.” Canada last hosted the trials in 2001 where four Canadians earned the chance to compete on the world stage. Jeff May, Chair of the Boiling Point Track Classic Host Organizing Committee; “On behalf of the committee I am thrilled to have been awarded the 2007 IPC Qualification Trials. Windsor has been a leading Canadian city for track & field enthusiasts and in providing opportunities for athletes with a disability for many years.” May has first hand experience of the quality programs in Windsor; “I trained and competed with the University of Windsor Lancer Track & Field team in the late 1990’s and since then there have been three other athletes with a disability that followed my lead.” The Boiling Point Wheelchair Track Classic is a new event that is a unique weekend celebration of coaching and racing excellence with the added component of youth development. In addition to the elite track meet and IAAF Trials on the night of July 7th, a developmental meet will be offered to expose new athletes to our sport. A Coaching Clinic which focuses on the technical aspects of training an athlete with a disability will also take place. The city of Windsor will also be the stage for the 2007 Canadian Track and Field Championships, July 12 – 15. Hosted by the University of Windsor Lancers, the 2007 Canadian Track and Field Championships will mark the first time that a fully integrated event is staged with both able-bodied and athletes with a disability competing in the same championship. Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running, road running and road racing.