By Emily Goddard

ipc powerlifting websiteMarch 15 - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched a new website for the 2013 Powerlifting Open European Championships ahead of the competition in the Russian city of Aleksin in just over two months time.

The website will feature the latest news and images from the competition on May 22-28, which is the first major gathering of international powerlifters since the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

"The event website will be the central place for fans and media alike to follow the IPC Powerlifting Open European Championships, which will draw several medallists and top names from London 2012, where nearly 4,500 spectators watched the powerlifting competition each day," Craig Spence, the IPC's director of media and communications, said.

The Powerlifting Open European Championships will include the new weight categories introduced at the beginning of the year, changing the structure of weight classes, following an extensive review of all bodyweight category trends across major competitions.

It is also open to all powerlifting nations, with two parallel medal events taking place - the European Championships and the International Open competition - for athletes aiming to achieve the minimum qualifying standard required for the 2014 World Championships.

Competitors from 11 countries, including top athletes from Russia, Ukraine, Britain and France are already confirmed for the championships.

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