The decision was made due to travel restrictions currently in force in Portugal, meaning that the attendance of all the teams could not be guaranteed, as well as lower than expected entry numbers.

IWAS President, Rudi Van Den Abbeele, said: “Despite our best efforts and work with the local authorities in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, we have made the difficult decision to finally cancel the 2021 World Games.

“We have all worked so hard to try to put on the Games this year, against a challenging and uncertain backdrop. Every time we have experienced a set-back, we have re-grouped and found a way to continue with our plans so that the athletes can have the chance to return to the international stage.

“But it is not to be this year. We will now push even harder to make the upcoming editions even better than before. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics we have seen many athletes who have competed at the World Games win medals and make history. We will ensure that future generations have the chance to do the same.”

Where champions are born

The IWAS World Games provide a platform for young and up-and-coming athletes to experience a major international event for the first time, as well as offering more established athletes a place to compete.

Paralympians such as Markus Rehm, Germany’s T64 long jump Paralympic champion and world record holder; the USA’s multiple gold medallist Tatyana McFadden; Swiss silver bullet Marcel Hug, and Italy’s double Paralympic winner in wheelchair fencing, Beatrice Vio, have all competed at past editions.