MIRAMAR
Miramar will host Paralympics championship meet next year

By DANIEL CHANG
dchang@MiamiHerald.com
More than 200 athletes and their families, coaches and fans are expected to visit Miramar next summer when the city will host the U.S. Paralympics National Track and Field Championships.
Miramar commissioners approved an agreement with the U.S. Olympic Committee Wednesday to host the five-day event, which will be the sole qualifying meet for the 2011 International Paralympic Committee Athletic World Championships in New Zealand.
Beth Bourgeois, a spokeswoman for the Paralympics, said past championship events have drawn athletes from across the United States and South America.
Miramar will host the meet June 15-20 at the Ansin Sports Complex, 10801 Miramar Blvd. The city's bid to host the games won on the strength of the sports complex's Mondo Super-X track, which is made of vulcanized, double-layered rubber that helps athletes produce faster times.
Paralympic athletes will compete in track, throwing, jumping, a pentathlon and a marathon. The competition is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities.
City officials estimate hosting duties will cost $78,700, including meals and lodging for Olympic Committee officials, security and marketing. They propose paying for the event through sponsorships, concession sales, athlete registration and parking fees.
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