Belfast to host World Dwarf Games

Athletes of restricted growth are to come from 15 countries for the games

More than 200 restricted growth athletes are to compete at the World Dwarf Games in Belfast next month.

It is the first time the world games have been held in Northern Ireland, which hosted the European championships in 2006.

MEET THE ATHLETES I was at the European games in Lisburn and they went really well, I'm hoping to do my best this time Luke Irvine, Belfast Running, shot put and badminton

Northern Ireland is fielding a contingent of 12 in the events which cover a variety of track and field sports as well as New Age Kurling, an indoor version of curling used as part of rehabilitation programs in hospitals.

Athletes of restricted growth, the rules state a maximum of 130cm height for men over 18, from 15 countries, will take part.

The competitions will take place at the Mary Peters Track in south Belfast, Larne Leisure Centre and the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus.

The Dwarf Athletic Association of Northern Ireland (DAANI) are bringing the games to the city, at a cost of £60,000.

MEET THE ATHLETES There is always a great atmosphere with everybody there taking part in sports Niall McVeigh, Newry Badminton and football

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long said such events were important to the local economy.

"Events like this are important to Belfast and its economy, and the council is extremely pro-active in attracting high profile events to the city," she said.

"Our research indicates that every £1 we spend on hosting major international events generates £42 in income for the city."

Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland, said it would be an exciting event.

"This promises to be an exciting and unique event, once again affording Belfast, and Northern Ireland as whole, a valuable opportunity to showcase itself on the international stage as an ideal venue for world class sporting events," he said.

The first World Dwarf Games were held in Chicago, USA, in 1993.