For the first time in The World Games’ 40 years history, the Games welcome athletes in wheelchairs to compete in the same arenas and venues as able-bodied athletes.
This was announced at the Annual General Meeting of the International World Games Association on Monday. The discussions about the invitational sports for The World Games 2021 continue, but the IWGA listed four sports that are discussed at the moment. The sports are Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, Lacrosse (the team that is not in the official programme) and Duathlon. These are subject to confirmation.
“This is a welcome development and expansion in the breadth of inclusivity in The World Games programme”, says IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow and continues: "I look very much forward to welcoming wheelchair sports to our sports programme! It is a unique event for all participants as well as for the spectators on site and on screen.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.