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Dwarf Games begin in Belfast
The fifth World Dwarf Games have begun in Belfast, Northern Ireland this morning (27 July) and will run until Sunday 2 August.
More than 200 athletes of restricted growth, from 15 countries, will take part in nine sports.
The competitions, hosted by the Dwarf Athletic Association of Northern Ireland (DAANI), will take place at the Mary Peters Track in south Belfast, Larne Leisure Centre and the University of Ulster`s Jordanstown campus.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long, said: "Through their hard work and dedication, DAANI gives people with restricted growth conditions the opportunity to get more involved in mainstream sports and outdoor activities.
"Events like this are important to Belfast and its economy, and the Council is extremely pro-active in attracting high profile events to the city: our research indicates that every £1 we spend on hosting major international events generates £42 in income for the city."
The 2009 World Dwarf Games are sponsored by Belfast City Council, the Department for Culture Arts and Leisure, and Sport Northern Ireland, and supported by Disability Sports NI. Premier Inn is the official accommodation provider for the Games.