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ROME (AP) — The annual Rieti athletics meeting has been canceled to let local officials dedicate their resources toward recovery from the earthquake that killed at least 267 people in the area.
The meeting had been scheduled for Sept. 11.
Hotels in Rieti are filled with rescue personnel tending to the worst-hit towns from Wednesday's quake in nearby Amatrice, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto.
Eight world records have been set in Rieti, including a mark of 9.74 seconds by Asafa Powell in the 100 meters in 2007.
Meeting director Sandro Giovannelli says that 60,000 euros ($68,000) in funds from the previous three editions will go toward reconstruction in Amatrice, preferably for children's spaces and sports facilities.
It's the first time the meeting has been canceled since it began in 1971.
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