2023 IBSA World Games for Visually Impaired Birmingham England

Introduction

Less than six months until the global sporting event arrives in Birmingham in the UK first. The 2023 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games are being held across the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus, and other regional venues, between 18-27 August.

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As a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), IBSA plays a crucial role in growing both Paralympic and Para sports more widely. It has become the world's leading organization for sports development for people with visual impairments.

The World Games will see around 1,250 blind and partially sighted athletes from 70 countries competing in 11 sports - three of which include men's blind football, men's and women's goalball, and judo, which are qualification tournaments for the 2024 Paralympic Games. Other featured sports include shooting, archery, chess, men's and women's cricket, powerlifting, ten-pin bowling, tennis, and showdown.

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Organizers predict that the World Games will be the largest gathering of blind athletes ever brought to the UK and the largest blind sporting event in the world in 2023.

And with under six months to go, it's been revealed that hundreds of support staff, volunteers, and technical officials behind the scenes are being recruited and selected from across the world - with the support of all Games Stakeholders(1), coordinated by event management company MLS Contracts Ltd, who are responsible with stakeholders, for delivering this unique multi-sport event.

With phase one of the entry process just about to conclude, organizers are buoyed at the level of registrations, which in some sports are exceeding forecasts.

Birmingham is hosting the seventh edition of the World Games - which is held every four years - following a successful joint bid between British Blind Sport, Birmingham City Council, Sport Birmingham, UK Sport, and the University of Birmingham.

Based in Leamington Spa, British Blind Sport is the national disability sports organization that represents blind and partially sighted people in sports across the UK. The charity helps blind and partially sighted people get active and play sports. Sports and recreational activities can enhance the lives of people with sight loss by improving their health and increasing their social interaction. British Blind Sport encourages adults and children to participate in activities at all levels, from grassroots to the Paralympics.

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Sallie Barker is the Chair at British Blind Sport, the national disability sports organization representing blind and partially sighted people in sports across Great Britain. It is the host federation for this year's World Games. Sallie said:

"Hosting the 2023 IBSA World Games has the potential to be a watershed moment for the two million people in the UK who are blind or partially sighted - many of whom are currently reluctant to engage in sporting activities due to a range of factors."

"Not only will these World Games showcase to the wider public blind and partially sighted athletes' abilities, but it is also aiming to inspire other blind and partially sighted individuals to take advantage of the pathways into the sport and other volunteering opportunities in their communities."

"As the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham put on a great festival of sport. In hosting the IBSA World Games, Birmingham, and Great Britain will again aim to show that it can provide the best possible stage for the world's best blind and partially sighted athletes to showcase their talents."

The RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is the lead sponsor of the 2023 IBSA World Games and hopes the legacy of the World Games will help build on the Sport England funded 'See Sport Differently' initiative in partnership with British Blind Sport. The program aims to get more blind and partially sighted people involved in sports and activities and feel the benefits as participants or spectators.

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality, and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they've overcome but for the people they are.

David Clarke, RNIB Chief Operating Officer and record goal-scoring Paralympics GB footballer, said:

"I am delighted that RNIB is the Games Lead Sponsor, which will showcase and highlight the talents and skills of athletes who are blind or partially sighted from all over the globe in Birmingham later this year."

"There are many sports that people wrongly think blind and partially sighted people are unable to participate in, and hopefully, the Games will challenge these misconceptions. I sincerely hope this global event will encourage more people with sight loss to get involved in sport and encourage sports providers to take proactive steps to be welcoming and inclusive."

"I am sure the athletes will savor the opportunity and produce some memorable performances to wow the public, packing out the venues in August this year."

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Adams at the University of Birmingham commented:

"We are incredibly proud to be providing the Games Village and many sports facilities for the World Games."

"I am excited at the prospect of seeing the campus - which will include hosting the Games Village at The Vale - becoming a hive of activity over the coming months as preparations ramp up to welcome athletes, support staff and spectators from across the globe."

(1) The Games Stakeholders Comprise:

• UK Sport
• British Blind Sport
• Sport Birmingham
• MLS Contracts Ltd
• Birmingham City Council
• University of Birmingham
• International Blind Sports Association (IBSA)

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games, and published on 2023/03/11 (Edit Update: 2023/10/08), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games can be contacted at ibsagames2023.co.uk. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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