The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS ) has awarded this year’s Youth World Games to Athlone.
The 12th edition of the games, previously known as the IWAS World Junior Games, will take place at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT ) and Athlone Regional Sports Centre from June 30 to July 6. The locations will host a preliminary sport programme of athletics, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing for athletes younger than 23.
Athletics, table tennis and wheelchair fencing will be hosted at AIT, while Athlone Regional Sports Centre will play host to the short-course swimming competition. The competitions will be split into U23, U20 and U17 age groups. Ireland previously played host in 2006, in capital city Dublin.
Announcing the host location, the IWAS listed the town’s location, easy access and large range of sporting facilities as the reasons behind their decision to award the town the games.
Nicky Hamill, Director of Sport at IWAS and member of IWA-Sport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the IWAS Youth World Games to Athlone here in Ireland this summer. The IWAS Games serve as an important stepping stone in the development of young athletes and we look forward to working closely with IWAS to ensure they are delivered to the highest possible standard. We’re looking forward to welcoming the many teams from all over the World who will enjoy the superb facilities and hospitality that Athlone has to offer.”
IWAS president, Rudi Van Den Abbeele said: ‘The second edition of the then-called IWAS Junior World Games was hosted in Ireland in 2006, so it is fantastic for the Games to return for the 12th edition this year. Ireland have always been great supporters of the IWAS World Games programme, and with the full support of our Member in Ireland, IWA-Sport, we are confident the IWAS Youth World Games 2018 will be a great success and continue the sporting pathway the Games provide internationally.”
