Sochi to host the 2015 IWAS World Games

“IWAS is pleased to benefit from the legacy of the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics in regard to the interest it created in para-sport."

Sochi, Russia, will host the 2015 International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) World Games, with preliminary dates set for 26 September-2 October.

Following a successful final site visit during August 2014, IWAS Games Technical Manager Jan Bockweg finalised the decision for Sochi to host the Games.

Sochi played host to the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, and has now set a blueprint for the rest of Russia in terms of creating a barrier-free environment with inclusive design for both sport venues and accommodation.

“IWAS is pleased to benefit from the legacy of the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics in regard to the interest it created in para-sport and believes that the IWAS Membership will support the Games with a record number of entries,” said IWAS Chief Operating Officer, Charmaine Hooper.

“We all look forward to a very successful IWAS World Games 2015.”

Sports that will be included in the Games are archery, arm wrestling, athletics, para-taekwondo, swimming and table tennis.

The IWAS World Games started in 1948 in Stoke Mandeville, Great Britain, with Sir Ludwig Guttmann – founder of the Paralympic Movement – hosting a competition for those with spinal cord injuries at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The 2013 Games were held in Stadskanaal, the Netherlands, and saw 230 athletes competing from 26 countries.

For more information, visit the IWAS website.