Paralympics Ireland has confirmed that two Irish athletes due to take part in a swimming competition in Italy later this week have been effected by the restrictions implemented for coronavirus.
A spokesman for Paralympics Ireland confirmed the event they were to attend has been cancelled.
The young athletes, both in their teens, are from counties Louth and Cork.
They were to take part in the ‘World Series Italia’ event at Lignano, which is north east of Venice, from the 27th February to the 1st of March.
The spokesman said they were told that: "The event had been cancelled on the advice of the Local Region and the Italian Para Swimming Federation in response to the recent spread of the Covid 19 virus in Northern Italy.
"This cancellation will impact on the two Irish youth development athletes that were due to be classified and compete at the event in Italy.
"Paralympics Ireland will now work with the International Paralympic Committee to identify suitable replacement classification and competition opportunities.
"Paralympics Ireland is also closely monitoring the status of the ITTF Lignano Master Open that an Irish team is due to compete at from March 18th to 21st."
The spokesperson also said: "Paralympics Ireland is working closely with Sport Ireland, the Sport Ireland Institute and the International Paralympic Committee to ensure that Irish Para Athletes are given the most up to date expert advice before travelling or competing internationally."
Christian Holtz, Managing Director of World Para Sports, said, “We regret that this key event in the build-up to Tokyo 2020 has been cancelled but the health and well-being of our athletes is our top priority at all times.”
