Top of page
Sports

City of Birmingham to host IBSA World Games 2023

Athlete with vision disabilities in action during Goalball in Asian Para Games
Photo: Shutterstock

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.”

You might also like

A disabled man in a wheelchair. Holding a white little ball. A disabled man in a wheelchair. Holding a white little ball.

Grants boost inclusive sports for all abilities

Victorians living with a disability can look forward to more…

Stairlifts Stairlifts

Accessible living on a budget: Why reconditioned Stairlifts make sense

Let’s face it: the cost of living isn’t what it…

Tip off for the start of the Division 1 Gold medal game between Suncorp Qld Cyclones and NSW Gladiators at the 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in Adelaide. Tip off for the start of the Division 1 Gold medal game between Suncorp Qld Cyclones and NSW Gladiators at the 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in Adelaide.

Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge kicks off in Adelaide

Marking a historic moment for sport in Australia, the 2025…

Three people playing soccer, two eyes covered at the Council of Europe park in Belgrade. Three people playing soccer, two eyes covered at the Council of Europe park in Belgrade.

Council of Europe and EU launch ‘Sport for All’ initiative

At the launch event of the new project “Sport For All: Promoting…