Sevilla 2001 - The Start

IBF Press Release 7. june 2000

They may be a year away, but the wheels are already in motion for the 2001 World Championships & Sudirman Cup.

During a visit to the host city last week, IBF Chief Executive Neil Cameron signed the final contract for the event in Sevilla, Spain, next year.
Minister of Tourism and Sport, Jose Hurtado, also signed on behalf of the Andaluz Sport Public Company and at a press conference following the official signing, stated that this was a very important event for Sevilla, and that, following on from the successful Table Tennis World Championships in 1996, the IAAF World Athletics Championships and the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Champs in 1999, as well as many other high profile events, Sevilla was accustomed to organising competitions at a high level.
Hurtado, although acknowledging that badminton is not considered one of the traditional Spanish sports, indicated that hosting the event could help the sport become an "important force" in the country.

The XII World Championships and VII Sudirman Cup will take place at the San Pablo Sports Palace from 28 May - 10 June 2001 and, according to Cameron: "Sevilla is renowed for organising big events well. The facilities will be excellent for the event and we expect a record number of participating nations."

Players and officials at an event of this magnitude look set to top 1,000 and the Championships are expected to attract a significant number of badminton fans who will combine the event with a summer vacation to the beautiful city of Sevilla, with its magnificent Magna Hispalensis (Seville Cathedral), the lively Santa Cruz quarter and the picturesque Maria Luisa Park, to name but a few of the countless attractions.

Meanwhile, IBF Member Associations have been invited to bid for the 2003 World Championships and Sudirman Cup.

At its recent meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Council decided that there might be benefit in running the two events separately, with the Sudirman Cup in February 2003 and the World Championships in May 2003.

Offers to host the events should be received by 30 September, and applicants can offer to host:

• a) the Sudirman Cup in February 2003;
• b) the World Championships in May 2003; OR
• c) the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in May 2003

It will also be acceptable to bid for more than one of the above.

A final decision will be made in early December 2000, but Associations who are considering placing a bid must indicate an intention to do so by 30 June 2000, but note that this is not a binding commitment to bid.

Any queries should be directed to Neil Cameron at neilc@intbadfed.org or by fax on +44 1242 221030.

Write to the author
Leif E. Andersen. 
Executive Editor, DilleSport

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BLA*nets DilleSport