The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) are delighted to announce the IWAS World Games 2019 will be hosted in the sports facilities of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates from 10 to 16 February 2019.

The 8th edition of the Games, returning to the venues seen at the IWAS World Games in 2011, will be organised by the experienced hosts at the Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped with the support of the IWAS Regional Office in Sharjah.

The city of Sharjah, is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, and lies 170 kilometres away from the UAE capital city of Abu Dhabi.

IWAS President, Rudi Van Den Abbeele said, “We are delighted to return to the location of a memorable and very successful Games in 2011. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to IWAS Vice President, Dr. Tariq Sultan bin Khadim for his enthusiasm and commitment to hosting this prestigious sporting event.”

IWAS Vice-President and Al Thiqah Club Chairman, Dr. Tariq Sultan bin Khadim said, “We are delighted to once again welcome the IWAS World Games to the City of Sharjah. We look forward to building on the success of the previous events and host an unforgettable experience for the athletes of the eight proposed sports.”

The Games boast a preliminary programme of eight sports including archery, athletics, badminton, indoor rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.

 "On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for supporting sports for people with impairments, both in the United Arab Emirates and across the World.” IWAS Vice-President added.

While discussions are ongoing for the sanctioning of sports, IWAS Wheelchair Fencing has confirmed the event to be a World Cup event in the Tokyo 2020 qualification period.

Entries are open to all athletes with a physical impairment and split into age categories dependent by sport.

Following the success of the inclusion of the Master’s category at the IWAS World Games 2017, this age grouping, for athletes 40 years and over, will again be offered.

IWAS President added, “The IWAS Games programme continues to offer an incredibly valuable step in the sporting pathway of athletes and the 2019 edition will be no exception with opportunity for ranking points for Tokyo 2020 qualification. I have no doubt the experience, knowledge and expertise of the Organising Committee will make for an unforgettable Games and I greatly look forward to welcoming the teams to the UAE in February!”

Information on the entry process for IWAS Members will be distributed in due course.