Birmingham has been selected as the host of the 2023 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games, a multi-sport event for athletes with vision disabilities.
The IBSA World Games will take place from 18-27 August 2023 at the University of Birmingham, across the Edgbaston area and wider region.
The IBSA World Games are the largest high-level international event for athletes with vision disabilities, with more than 1,000 competitors from more than 70 nations.
Staged every four years, the World Games are the pinnacle of the international calendar outside of the Paralympic Games. With three Paralympic and eight non-Paralympic sports, for some athletes it is the highest level they can compete at.
There are over two million people in the UK living with sight loss, with over 28,000 people from the VI community resident in Birmingham.
“As the IBSA-affiliated organisation representing Great Britain, we are delighted to have been selected to host the 2023 IBSA World Games. This is really an immense opportunity for us and all stakeholders to showcase an amazing sporting event for visually impaired people from across the globe. Our choice of Birmingham as the host city put us in great position, showcasing to the host selection committee a city that is vibrant, inclusive and welcoming” said Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer, British Blind Sport.
“We are confident that Birmingham 2023 will contribute towards our goal of being the world’s leading body for sports for athletes with vision disabilities” said Jannie Hammershoi, IBSA President.
“At a time when sport is facing such unprecedented challenges, this news brings a welcome boost to the major events landscape and provides the UK with a fantastic new event to look forward to. We look forward to working with all partners to host a world-class competition for the athletes, the local community and the nation.”
