Copper Box Arena to host Panathlon London Final
Panathlon will be making a return to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the Copper Box was today named as the host of next year's London Final.
Those athletes who make it through 18 multisport qualifying competitions, each with approximately 100 disabled competitors, will get to compete at the official Paralympic venue, which hosted goalball during London 2012, on 18 June.
It is not the first time that Panathlon has appeared on the Olympic Park, as in April last year 20 Panathletes were the first disabled racers on the track as part of an official test event ahead of the Games. British wheelchair basketball player and three-time Paralympian Helen Turner said:
"As a GB Paralympian and Panathlon patron, it is fantastic news that next year's final will be hosted at the Copper Box Arena, which has recently held the 2012 Paralympic anniversary games. It is a venue I know well, and is perfect for the Panathlon final which will help inspire the next generation of Paralympians. I look forward to welcoming the athletes myself to the Olympic Park on 18 June."
The Copper Box hosted goalball during the London 2012 Paralympics. The host agreement forms part of a three-year partnership between Panathlon and Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which will also see the organisation using a range of venues across London, including Clissold Leisure Centre in Hackney, Hendon Leisure Centre in Barnet, Swiss Cottage in Camden and the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. London Legacy Development Corporation chief executive Dennis Hone said:
"We are delighted to welcome Panathlon to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. We want to continue to showcase the best of disability sport and inspire the next generation of Paralympic athletes. As part of the commitment to securing a strong Paralympic legacy, the Legacy Corporation is supporting Motivate East, which encourages disabled people within the Olympic host boroughs to find a route into sports and physical activities."
