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What's the story?
The Archery World Championships were due to be held in Mexico City from 15th to 22nd October. But in the light of the two devastating earthquakes, the championships have been thrown into doubt.
The World Archery Secretary General Tom Dielen released a statement on behalf of the World Archery Council. It said, “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.”
“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.”
In case you didn't know
The city of Mexico had been rumbled by two earthquakes that have left hundreds dead and many more still missing or injured in the rubble.
The heart of the matter
Dielen also said in the statement that they 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.
He said that they hoped that the finals arena, which is free to enter for spectators in the Zocalo at the end of the championships, would act as a positive spectacle of sport and solidarity for the people of Mexico City.
He continued that World Archery has committed to working with its partners to contribute to the rehabilitation and rebuilding effort of the city. They would also ensure that these championships would leave a lasting and positive legacy during a difficult period of sadness and loss.
What's next?
While Mexico City continues to recover, World Archery has pledged its support to rescue and rehabilitation. The authorities will continue to monitor the situation in Mexico City while national member associations will receive any further updates directly from the office. More news on contributions to the rebuilding effort will follow.
Sportskeeda's take
We stand with Mexico in this difficult time and applaud the initiatives taken by World Archery to help in any way that they can.
