Governor Kate Brown Welcomes U.S. Athletes Home at 2021 World Athletics Championships Kickoff
Oregon will be the first U.S. host of world track and field championships in 2021
Governor Kate Brown today welcomed home U.S. athletes returning from the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, which ended on Sunday. In addition to congratulating the returning champions, Governor Brown highlighted the upcoming August 2021 championships event, which will be hosted in Eugene.
“We could not be prouder to bring the World Championships to the United States for the first time ever, and it is only fitting that TrackTown serve as the host,” said Governor Brown. “Oregon is a running mecca, and we are excited to bring the globe’s elite athletes to our beautiful state. The event speaks to the Oregonian spirit — we are strong, nimble, and quick, just like these stellar athletes with us today, and we can’t wait to cheer them on when they compete here in Oregon in 2021.”
Oregon21, USA Track & Field (USATF), Travel Oregon and the University of Oregon teamed up to host the official kickoff event for the 2021 World Athletics Championships Oregon21, which will be the world’s largest sporting event that year. Governor Brown was joined by other regional, national, and international figures in sports, government, and tourism to talk about preparations for the 2021 event and celebrations.
Nearly 2,000 competitors from more than 200 countries will participate. The hosting of the World Athletics Championships will impact the entire state with an estimated 55,000 spectators traveling to Oregon for the event, according to a 2015 study by ECONorthwest.
“Travel Oregon recognizes the unparalleled opportunity to showcase Oregon on the world stage by supporting Oregon21’s marketing efforts and elevating awareness of the state through this world-class competition,” said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. “We’re also working to ensure the positive economic impact of this event is felt in every corner of Oregon by connecting communities to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) so they can capitalize on supplying training facilities, lodging, and amenities for athletes.”
Tickets will be available for purchase after the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. For more information or to sign up to receive email updates on schedules, events, and early access to ticketing, visit www.oregon21.com.
