China cancels its participation because of SARS

In April of this year, five female and five male athletes as well as four officials from China had entered the OL WM 2003. Now, the Chinese national team had to cancel its participation. "This sad decision is based on the unresolved situation about SARS in China," says Ma Huimin, secretary general of the Chinese orienteering federation. "It is a great pity that we will miss the opportunity to start at the OL WM 2003 in Switzerland."

After the cancellation of China there are still 325 athletes and 97 officials from 41 nations expected from August 3 to August 9, 2003. These figures do still constitute a record for World Orienteering Championships.

Posted: 2003-07-03 21:39:55