The University of Birmingham is proud to be one of the host venues for the 2023 International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games, following a successful joint bid between British Blind Sport, Birmingham City Council, Sport Birmingham, UK Sport, and the University of Birmingham.
This is the seventh edition of the IBSA World Games and is the first time it has been hosted in the UK. It is expected to be the largest gathering of blind and partially sighted athletes ever brought to the UK, with approximately 1250 athletes from seven countries expected to compete.
Sponsored by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and coordinated by MLS Contracts Ltd, this year’s games will see athletes compete in ten sports. The University of Birmingham will host archery, blind football, chess, judo and showdown. Other sports, such as tennis, goalball, ten pin bowling, cricket and powerlifting will be hosted at other venues in the region.
It is fantastic for Birmingham and the UK to host the 2023 IBSA World Games, which has the potential to be a real watershed moment for the two million people in the UK who are blind or partially sighted. Birmingham is a proud sporting city as we saw when it successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games last year, and there are so many volunteering opportunities for people in the community to be part of another great festival of sport this summer. This event will not only help provide the stage for the world’s best blind and partially sighted athletes to showcase their talents, but it will also inspire other blind and partially sighted individuals to take advantage of the pathways into sport and opportunities to volunteer.
Sallie Barker, Chair at British Blind Sport
Volunteers will be needed at every venue to help with classification, assisting athletes within the World Games villages, creating content in the media and marketing team, and at training and competition sessions. The Volunteer Programme is managed by Power of People Ltd, on behalf of Sport Birmingham.
To apply to become a volunteer, please complete the IBSA World Games 2023 application form.
The Volunteer Programme is a great way for the community to be a part of a global multi-sport event which is happening right on their doorstep and to help with the continuing amazing set of major events that take place in the region.
Tom Bowkett, Head of Projects at Power of People
Find out more
For more information about the 2023 IBSA World Games, please visit the IBSA Games website or email the IBSA volunteer team.