Birmingham has been selected as the
host of the 2023 IBSA World Games,
a multi-sport event for blind and
partially sighted athletes.
The decision by the International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) follows a com-bined bid between British Blind Sport, UK Sport, Birmingham City Council, the University of Birmingham and Sport
The Games, due to take place from 18-27
August 2023, will be held at the Univer-
sity of Birmingham, across the Edgbas-
ton area and wider region.
The IBSA World Games are the largest
high-level international event for athletes with visual impairments, with more than 1000 competitors from more than 70 nations.
Staged every four years the World
Games are the pinnacle of the interna-
tional 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.
Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive
Officer, British Blind Sport commented
“As the IBSA affiliated organisation rep-
resenting Great Britain, we are delighted
to have been selected to host the 2023
IBSA World Games. This is really an im-
mense opportunity for us and all stake-
holders to showcase an amazing sporting
event for visually impaired people from
across the globe. Our choice of Birming-
ham as the host city put us in great po-
sition, showcasing to the host selection
committee a city that is vibrant, inclusive
and welcoming.
“The whole team at British Blind Sport
are delighted with the outcome and can-
not wait to raise the profile of sport for
people living with sight loss, as well as
the aspirations of the participating ath-
letes.
“A huge thank you to all those who sup-
ported us to submit such an impressive
bid, particularly the teams at MLS Con-
tracts, the University of Birmingham and
UK Sport.”
Esther Britten, Head of Major Events,
UK Sport said “We are delighted Bir-
mingham has been announced as host
city for the 2023 IBSA World Games.
Sport is for everyone and so to have
world class athletes in such a diverse
range of sports coming together promises
to create a truly inspirational event.
“At a time when sport is facing such un-
precedented 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 competi-
tion for the athletes, the local community
and the nation.”
Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice-
Chancellor of the University of Bir-
mingham said: “I am delighted to hear
that Birmingham has been chosen to host the 2023 IBSA World Games.
“The University of Birmingham has a
long and proud sporting tradition and an
enviable track record in hosting world-
class sports events, including the British
Transplant Games in 2018.
“The IBSA Games will be another op-
portunity for us to demonstrate our deep
commitment to diversity and inclu-
sion through sport, and to showcase the
world-class sports facilities enjoyed by
Jannie Hammershoi, IBSA President, said: “We are confident that Birmingham 2023 will contribute towards our goal of
being the world’s leading body for sports for athletes with visual impairments.
That is why in three years’ time we hope
to raise the bar for the IBSA World Games. We want athletes to have the best
platform for their skills, as well as ensuring as many people as possible can
experience the sports for themselves.
We are excited to work with the team
at British Blind Sport in reaching our
common goals and making 2023 a really
memorable year.”
Our staff and students, as well as the
wider community.
“We look forward to welcoming ath-
letes to our beautiful Edgbaston cam-
pus, along with team members, of-
ficials and supporters; and to giving
them a truly immersive and holistic
Games experience.”
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham
City Council said: “The announce-
ment of Birmingham as host city for
the 2023 IBSA World Games is great
news for us and underlines our creden-
tials as an inclusive and international
sporting city.
“We have a strong track record for
welcoming athletes from all over the
world for events in Birmingham, with
the knowledgeable and enthusiastic
crowds and the warm welcome from
our citizens always regarded highly by
those who come here.
“I look forward to working with the
organisers and want to congratulate all
of those involved with the successful
bid – and offer thanks to the other can-
didate cities who helped us raise our
game to win this contest.”
