Volcanic chaos forces European delay

The European Gymnastic Championships are to postpone the start of the event that is due to start tomorrow by 24 hours, due to the volcanic dust cloud that has bought chaos to transport across Northern Europe.

Gymnasts from all over Europe have had to find alternative means of travel, resulting in longer travel and delayed arrivals. The men's event was due to begin tomorrow, Wednesday 21st April, at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, but after discussions between local organisers and the UEG (European Gymnastics Union), a decision has been made to postpone the start to Thursday 22nd April.

An official statement from the organisers explained,

"The UEG has made the decision today to delay the start of the men's competition by one day to ensure that all participating teams and officials have the appropriate time to adjust their existing travel arrangements to arrive in Birmingham in time for appropriate general and podium training before competition."

Head of International and Local Events at Birmingham City Council, Jim Kelly said,

'Where other events, such as the World Diving Competition in Sheffield have been cancelled or affected by the adverse weather, the UEG, British Gymnastics and Birmingham City Council have come together to ensure this event will go ahead."

There are no reports that the rest of the schedule has been affected so far. Any tickets purchased for the championships on the days affected by the changes will be honoured and should be presented to the box office on arrival at the venue, while TV coverage remains unaffected.

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