Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the 2023 International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games this summer.
The event is being held in Birmingham and other regional venues including Coventry, Warwick and Walsall between August 18-27 – marking the first time it has ever been held in the UK.
The IBSA World Games will see around 1,250 blind and partially sighted athletes from 70 countries in 10 sports – three of which, men’s blind football, men’s and women’s goalball, and judo, will be qualification tournaments for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Other sports featured include archery, chess, men’s and women’s cricket, powerlifting, ten pin bowling, tennis, and showdown.
The World Games will provide an opportunity for more than 400 volunteers to play their part in what is expected to be the largest gathering of blind and partially sighted athletes ever brought to the UK.
Volunteers are required at every venue to fill a range of positions, from helping with classification to assisting athletes within the World Games villages, creating content in media and marketing team, and at training and competition sessions to ensure spectators have the best experience.
Birmingham is hosting the seventh edition of the World Games following a successful joint bid between British Blind Sport, Birmingham City Council, Sport Birmingham, UK Sport, and the University of Birmingham.
“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,” said Sallie Barker, Chair at British Blind Sport.
“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.”
There are a range of volunteering opportunities and organisers are looking for people who can be available for six shifts or more from August 12-28.
To apply to become a volunteer, visit https://forms.volunteero.org/view/b11c5349-8d4f-4116-9663-495e2ebb8059 and for more information about the 2023 IBSA World Games visit www.IBSAGames2023.co.uk
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