The decision comes after IWAS considered the ongoing and escalating situation in Ukraine and feedback from the IWAS Membership. The move also stands in solidarity with actions taken by other sports organisations in recent days.

IWAS President, Rudi Van Den Abeele, said: “In line with many others, IWAS considers hosting a major international sporting event in Russia to now be impossible. The views of our members and the ability of the host country to stage a safe event where all athletes are given the platform to shine are of paramount importance to us.

“I want to reassure all athletes and our members that the 2022 edition of the IWAS World Games, will be an exceptional competition where we will all be able to gather for a celebration of sport.”

Discussions are ongoing with the venue and facilities of the 2017 edition of the Games which were held in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal, for the relocated Games with dates proposed for November 2022. Following an IWAS Executive Board meeting scheduled for 8^th March, details on the Games and sports programme will be finalised and communicated to the IWAS Membership.

About the IWAS World Games

The IWAS World Games has established itself as a proving ground for the next generation of Paralympians. Some of the world’s most successful Para athletes have made their international debut at the Games, or competed as part of their road to the Paralympics.

These include the USA’s seven-time Paralympic track champion Tatyana McFadden and Great Britain’s double gold-medallist sprinter Jonnie Peacock. World recorder holder and Tokyo 2020 double gold-medallist, South African sprinter and long jumper Ntando Mahlangu, Italian world and Paralympic wheelchair fencing title-holder Beatrice Vio and Switzerland’s six-time Paralympic champion Marcel Hug, have also competed.

As well as this year’s edition, the 2023 IWAS World Games are scheduled to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from 1-9 December.