IWAS Announces the Host Nation of the IWAS Youth World Games 2018
17/01/2018
The Games will return to Ireland hosting a Games programme of Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Fencing from 30 June – 6 July 2018.
International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports are delighted to announce the host location of the IWAS Youth World Games 2018 as Athlone, Ireland.
The 12th edition of the Games, previously known as the ‘IWAS World Junior Games’, will host a preliminary sport programme of Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Fencing for athletes under 23 from 30 June to 6 July 2018.
Competition will be split into three age groups, Under 23, Under 20 and Under 17 for the return of the Games to Ireland.
The town of Athlone lies in the heart of Ireland, 125km from the nation’s capital of Dublin and boasts a range of sports facilities.
Athletics, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Fencing will be hosted at the facilities of Athlone Institute of Technology while the Athlone Regional Sports Centre will play host to the short-course Swimming competition.
Nicky Hamill, Director of Sport at IWAS Member, IWA-Sport said, “We are delighted to welcome the IWAS Youth World Games to Athlone here in Ireland this summer. The IWAS Games serve as an important stepping stone in the development of young athletes and we look forward to working closely with IWAS to ensure they are delivered to the highest possible standard.”
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the many teams from all over the World who will enjoy the superb facilities and hospitality that Athlone has to offer.”
Four-star accommodation will be offered at the Sheraton Athlone and the Hodson Bay Hotel, both located under 15 minutes from the sports facilities.
IWAS President, Rudi Van Den Abbeele said, ‘The second edition of the then-called IWAS Junior World Games was hosted in Ireland in 2006 so it is fantastic for the Games to return for the 12th edition this year.’
‘Ireland have always been great supporters of the IWAS World Games programme and with the full support of our Member in Ireland, IWA-Sport, we are confident the IWAS Youth World Games 2018 will be a great success and continue the sporting pathway the Games provide internationally.’
First entries will open on Friday 19th January through the IWAS Management System and Members will be notified of the procedures in the coming days.