2023 IBSA World Games at Coventry Building Society Arena
20 Aug 2023 - 27 Aug 2023
We're thrilled to announce that Coventry has been selected as one of the host cities for the largest sporting event in the world for blind and partially sighted people this summer, alongside Birmingham.
For the first time, the United Kingdom has the honour of hosting the 2023 IBSA World Games from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 27. Coventry Building Society Arena is primed to welcome men’s and women’s goalball in the venue’s Indoor Arena, which will run from Sunday, August 20 to Sunday, August 27.
Goalball is a dynamic and highly competitive sport, designed specifically for blind and partially sighted athletes. The game features teams of three who aim to score by launching a 1.25kg ball across an 18m x 9m court and defend their goal using their bodies. Each game is divided into two 12-minute halves and offers a thrilling spectator experience.
This year's IBSA World Games, backed by lead sponsor RNIB, will host a majority of the events at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus and other regional venues nearby. This prestigious event is set to feature approximately 1,250 blind and partially sighted athletes from 70 countries. Besides goalball, athletes will also compete in a variety of sports, such as archery, chess, cricket, powerlifting, ten pin bowling, tennis, and showdown.
British Blind Sport, Birmingham City Council, Sport Birmingham, UK Sport, and the University of Birmingham have jointly won the bid to host the seventh edition of the World Games. British Blind Sport CEO, Alaina MacGregor, emphasised the opportunity the World Games provides to not only showcase the talent of blind and partially sighted athletes but also to inspire participation and inclusivity in sport.
Coventry Building Society Arena Commercial Director, Paul Michael, expressed excitement at the Arena's inaugural hosting of goalball. This event reaffirms the venue's status as a leading multi-purpose sports venue in the UK.
Coventry City Council's Director of Business, Investment and Culture, Andy Williams, also shared the excitement about the city's growing sporting profile and the unique opportunity to witness the thrilling goalball games.
For more details about the 2023 IBSA World Games, please visit www.IBSAGames2023.co.uk
Join us for this unforgettable summer of sport as we cheer on these inspiring athletes in Coventry!