The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sport Federation (IWAS) announced today that the bid to host the IWAS World Games 2013 has been awarded to Stadskanaal in the Netherlands.

Stichting Disability Games Foundation (DGF) has been the successful organising committee that have been awarded the Games, when they stepped into the bid process following the withdrawal of the Alicante, Spain bid to host the Games.

A press conference will be held today by DGF (Tuesday 11th December) at the Pagecentrum Holiday Village. Representing IWAS at the conference will be IWAS Athletics Manager, Jan Bockweg.

The Games will take place from the 14 – 22 September 2013, at the Pagecentrum Holiday village where the swimming pool and other indoor facilities are located and only 700m from the Athletics venue.  Also on site will be the accommodation bungalows for the majority of athletes and delegates offering a unique and accessible venue.

Following the success of hosting the IPC Athletics European Athletics Championships 2012, the IWAS European Championships 2010 as well as being a part of the IWAS Athletics Series, IWAS has a strong belief that DGF has the relevant experience to host a successful World Games for our Federation.

Due to the short time frame the organising committee have had to take into consideration that a full program of sports is just not viable. They have researched and concluded that the following four sports are achievable.

• Athletics (classes 30+, 40+, 50+) The program will include a separate program for masters, as a developing initiative if there is enough interest.
• Amputee Football
• Swimming (classes 1 to 10)
• Archery (all classes)

Announcing the award of the Games, IWAS President Paul DePace said “IWAS is very pleased that we were able to find hosts for the Games at such short notice.  DGF has an experienced track record and their long standing commitment to disability sports events is well known.  We are fortunate to be able to work with them towards successful Games in 2013”.
 

Notes to Editors:
IWAS Mission statement: IWAS, a founder member of the Paralympic movement, has the mission to develop sporting opportunities for athletes to maximise their potential
Our Unique Position: The only organisation that provides a full international competition programme at the entry, development and qualifying levels in support of the IPC and the paralympic movement
Registered Office: Olympic Lodge, Guttmann Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 9PP, UK.  Registered as IWAS in England and Wales No. 2713410.  Limited by Guarantee.  Registered Charity No. 1011552.  

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