With just over a week to go until the start of the IWAS (International Wheelchair Amputee  and Sports Federation) World Junior Games in Puerto Rico the organisers can confirm that over 150 athletes from 12 countries will be competing in 4 sports.

The 9th World Junior Games for athletes aged 23 and under will take place in  the city of Mayaguez,  between 6th to 14th  August and sports will include  Athletics, Swimming, Archery and Paratriathlon (which will be a new sport at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio).

Countries participating include Brazil, China, USA, Iraq, Russia, Germany, Finland, Thailand and Bulgaria.

With the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil fast approaching the World Junior Games will help promote Paralympic sport in Central America and the Caribbean and with the theme of the Games slogan " Inspire, Excel and Succeed” the 2013 IWAS World Junior Games will help develop awareness of Paralympic Sport and will ensure young athletes develop from grass root to elite level sport.

A number of current London 2012 Paralympians will be expected to compete and past youngsters whose first major competitions were at previous World Junior Games have included Marcel Huig (Switzerland) Nathan Stephens and Holly Arnold (Great Britain)

The 2013 IWAS World Junior Games will be held in the city of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The city of Mayagüez is the third largest city in Puerto Rico and is located in the centre of the west coast of the island.

 Mr Jose Guillermo Rodriguez – Mayor of Mayaguez
“We are very excited to host the IWAS 2013 World Junior Games in the City of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.   Participation in adaptive sports in Puerto Rico is very limited and the hosting of the games will help promote awareness of the Paralympic movement and increase participation in adaptive sports”

Paul DePace – IWAS President
 “IWAS is looking forward to an exciting World Junior Games in Puerto Rico. The venues and facilities appear to be first class and we are looking forward to an excellent sporting event.
The World Junior Games will give our young international athletes the opportunity to shine in top class sport and these championships is a great opportunity to continue to build on the legacy of Paralympic sport after the success of the London 2012 Games."

By Tony Garrett

NB: Tony Garrett will join the IWAS team as the media correspondent in Puerto Rico. Tony has worked in media and broadcast for the past 20 years and more significantly involved in the coverage of Paralympic Sport for the past 12 years for the BBC.

We welcome Tony to the IWAS team and we hope you can make the most of his experience by helping to promote your athletes and the IWAS World Junior Games.

Please feel free to contact Tony prior or during the event – click here

Ideas – Athletes who……

• Took part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games
• Has the potential to take part in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
• Has the potential to receive a medal during the IWAS Junior World Games
• Has an interesting hobby or activity – not necessarily sport
• Who’s first time at an International Multi Sport event, will be at the IWAS World Junior Games