Inas Global Games in Ecuador to go ahead despite eruption of nearby Cotopaxi volcano

Inas have moved to dismiss concerns the eruption of Cotopaxi volcano could impact their Global Games in September ©Getty Images

The International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (Inas) has moved to quell fears over the staging of their Global Games in the Ecuadorian capital Quito after Cotopaxi volcano erupted, prompting President Rafael Correa to declare a state of emergency in the country.

The volcano, located around 30 miles south of Quito and near the town of Latacunga, is considered one of the most dangerous in the area and it has been reported that as many as 325,000 could be affected by mud and rock flows.

Latacunga is one of the regions which due to host events at the Games, scheduled for September 20 to 27, along with Ibarra, Pujili and Quito.

In a statement published on their website, Inas maintained that preparations for the flagship event for athletes with an intellectual disability remain on course despite the potential threat of more eruptions in the coming weeks.

The area remains on yellow alert, a mid-range warning, and authorities in Ecuador said that would remain as the volcano continues to show signs of activity.

“We would like to reassure members that Inas is in contact with the Local Organising Committee of the 2015 INAS Global Games and we will be monitoring the advice of the government and relevant authorities in Ecuador,” the statement read.

“At this time, planning for the Games continues uninterrupted, and we look forward to a successful event in September.

“Inas will provide a further update in the coming days.”

Ecuador President Rafael Correa has declared a state of emergency in the country following Cotopaxi's eruption ©Getty Images

The eruption fired ash seven miles into the air, leading to the evacuation of several hundred residents in the surrounding villages and towns.

The volcano’s last major eruption came back in 1877.

The 2015 Global Games will be the first time the event will have been held outside of Europe, following Bollnas in Sweden in 2005, Liberec in the Czech Republic in 2009 and Liguria in Italy in 2011.

Athletes from 35 countries will compete at the competition in Ecuador in athletics, basketball, cycling, futsal, rowing, swimming, table tennis and tennis, while Para-takewondo and track cycling will be demonstration sports.