World Abilitysport and the National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye are proud to announce the official sport programme for the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games, to be held from 15–22 June 2026.

Building on the success of the inaugural World Abilitysport Beach Games held last October, Mersin once again positions itself at the heart of international Para sport, as the city prepares to turn its focus to the next generation of Para athletes.

The 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games will host a dynamic sports programme that blends recognised international competition pathways with emerging and developing formats.

In Para Athletics, the programme will focus exclusively on field events, delivered under recognised World Para Athletics Under-17 and Under-20 categories in the Nevin Yanit Athletics Complex. Youth and Junior categories will also be hosted in a World Para Swimming approved competition held at the city’s Mersin Olympic Swimming Pool’s 50m course.

Subject to World Sailing’s final approval and following their debut inclusion at last year’s Beach Games, Para Sailing is set to return to Mersin for the Youth (U25) Para Sailing World Championships – One Person Keelboat (pending World Sailing approval).

Rudi Van den Abbeele, President of World Abilitysport, said: “As they demonstrated in their hosting of the 2025 World Abilitysport Beach Games, the National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye are not afraid to break new ground and set new benchmarks for international Para sport. They are keen to push possibilities, to innovate, and they are certainly not shy about being the first to take bold steps that drive our Movement forward – the Youth Games will be no exception.”

Working in collaboration with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) and the Turkish Basketball Federation, Mersin will host the first IWBF Endorsed U23 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball international at a custom venue overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Following investment in wheelchair fencing frames, Türkiye will also make its debut on the international Para fencing circuit hosting the 2026 Para Fencing Youth World Championships, followed by an open-age Satellite Tournament.

Dr Murat Aksu, 2nd Vice President of World Abilitysport and President of the Turkish Paralympic Committee said, ‘We are incredibly proud to have made a significant investment in the purchase of wheelchair fencing equipment, ensuring the legacy of the Youth Games lives on far beyond the event itself.’

‘This investment not only strengthens our national Para fencing pathway but supports our ambitions to become a regular host on the international Para fencing circuit. Our goal is sustainable growth in creating opportunities for young athletes and leaving a lasting legacy on Para sport both in Türkiye and around the world.’

Türkiye will also be breaking new ground in the development of Para dance sport. Mersin will play host to the world’s first World Para Dance Sport Youth World Cup (U21) and Development Competition for ambulant dancers, followed by an open-age International Competition.

Following its unforgettable inclusion at the Beach Games, Adaptive Sepak Takraw returns to Mersin to be featured as a Sport Expo (open age). Last year, the sport captivated spectators and its return reflects a shared commitment from World Abilitysport and NPC Türkiye to promote and grow the discipline internationally.

Teams will again fly into Çukurova International Airport (COV) ahead of the 50km journey to 4*-5* hotels located around the picturesque coastal city.

President Rudi Van den Abbeele said, ‘“I warmly encourage all our member nations to join us in Mersin for what promises to be an exceptional celebration of youth Para sport. The World Abilitysport Youth Games are a vital platform for developing the next generation of international athletes from those embarking on their first taste of international competition or those looking to make their mark at LA2028.”

I would also like to sincerely thank the National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye for their dedication, commitment, and vision in delivering these Games. Their leadership and passion for inclusive sport will ensure an outstanding experience for all involved.”

Entries open on 2^nd April and close on 8^th May. More information on costings and logistical details can be found at the invitation here.

For further information, please contact the Games Team on games@worldabilitysport.org