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United Kingdom Seeks to Host 2010 IPC Swimming in Sheffield

The United Kingdom, caught in the grip of preparations for hosting the Olympic Games in London in 2012, is seeking to draw another big sporting event to its borders. The country wants to stage the next International Paralympic Committee?s World Swimming Championships in Sheffield, which is due to take place again in 2010.

The IPC championships are considered hugely important in the world of disability sport ? in fact they are regarded only second in importance to the Paralympic Games that run parallel to the Olympic Games every four years. The United Kingdom feels that hosting the championships will be an excellent dress rehearsal to the Olympics that is due to take place two years afterwards. "Not only will it develop our athletes, but it is also a significant opportunity to develop expertise of our staff and volunteers two years out from the Games," said British Swimming chief executive, David Sparkes.

Other countries ? including France, Greece, Holland, the United States and Columbia, have also expressed interest in hosting the games. The last games were held in Durban, South Africa in December 2006 where the English team did considerably well. Team GB was awarded 24 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals during the event.