London was confirmed yesterday as the host for the competition, which will take place at the London 2012 Olympic Stadium just a month before the same venue stages the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships.

It means London will be the first city ever to host the two Championships side-by-side and Robertson feels the event will recreate the atmosphere of the 2012 Paralympic Games this summer.

"We want to build on the huge success of the London 2012 Paralympics so I am delighted that the International Paralympic Committee has awarded London the honour of hosting its 2017 Athletics World Championships," he said.

"This is the latest in a long line of top class sporting events that will be staged in the United Kingdom over the next few years.

"Hosted in the iconic Olympic Stadium, I know it will receive huge support from the British public."


At the London 2012 Paralympics, a total of 1,134 athletes took part in the athletics competition as they set a combine 102 world and 139 Paralympic records.

It drew sold-out crowds of 80,000 people for every session and attracted more than a billion television viewers worldwide in what is an unprecedented move for the Paralympic Movement.

The IPC World Athletics Championships is the biggest event in disability sport outside the Paralympics and the Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales has also given his full backing to the announcement.

"The dual legacy promises of the 2012 Games were to transform the East End of London and inspire a generation through sport," said Sir Robin.

"In partnering to organise the 2017 IPC Athletics World Championships, Newham will not only help to secure that legacy, we will underline our commitment to enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities.

"After an inspirational summer in London 2012, including the most successful Paralympic Games ever, there is no more fitting venue for these Championships than the Olympic Stadium in Newham."

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