The Madeira 2020 World Para Swimming European Open Championships have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and will now take place in 2021.

The event was due to take place in May this year in Portugal but has now been scheduled for May 16-22 next year. 

All swimming was brought to a halt but now the International Federation has agreed new dates for the event to take place with the Madeira LOC.

Around 500 swimmers from more than 50 countries are set to compete in the event.

World Para Swimming Manager Georgios Antoniou said: "We are extremely happy to be able to share this news with our sport community and our fans.

“We understand that these have been difficult months due to the uncertainties caused by the pandemic, but we have been in continuous contact with the LOC and the Madeira authorities to be able to find new dates for the competition.

“The European Open Championships is the last major event before the Tokyo Paralympic Games and we believe the move is the best option to allow athletes and teams to better plan their activities ahead of next season. We look forward to a great competition and to seeing our athletes in action again.”

The 2020 World Para Swimming European Open Championships will take place at Penteada Swimming Complex in Madeira’s capital Funchal.