The Madeira 2020 World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Portugal have been rescheduled to 16-22 May 2021.
The European Championships were initially meant to take place from 17-23 May this year but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, World Para Swimming announced the 2020 season would be put on hold until September to monitor the situation.
On Tuesday they – alongside the Madeira local organising committee – announced the rescheduled dates with the event serving for some as preparation for the Paralympic Games which will take place in Tokyo from 24 August-5 September.
As an Open event, athletes from all continents will be able to compete with around 500 swimmers from more than 50 countries expected at the Penteada Swimming Complex, in Madeira’s capital Funchal.
This will be the second time the Portuguese island hosts the Euros following the 2016 edition.
Madeira 2020 will be jointly organised by the Portuguese Swimming Federation (FPN), the Madeira Swimming Association (AN Madeira), the Municipal Chamber of Funchal and the Government of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
World Para Swimming manager Georgios Antoniou said:
“We are extremely happy to be able to share this news with our sport community and our fans.
“We understand that these have been difficult months due to the uncertainties caused by the pandemic, but we have been in continuous contact with the LOC and the Madeira authorities to be able to find new dates for the competition.”
“The European Open Championships is the last major event before the Tokyo Paralympic Games and we believe the move is the best option to allow athletes and teams to better plan their activities ahead of next season. We look forward to a great competition and to seeing our athletes in action again.”
British Swimming responded on social media, saying:
Antonio Jose Silva, President of the Portuguese Swimming Federation (FPN), said:
“Just after the pandemic caused by COVID-19, and the inevitable consequences of the confinement in many countries around the world, it is a great responsibility and honour to host in 2021 the World Para Swimming European Open Championships Madeira 2020. With the major contribution of local authorities, we will for sure organise an amazing event which all the athletes will greatly remember. It’s time to become more global again. We hope to meet you all in May.”
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