Dubai to host 2017 Asian Youth Games

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) announced on Wednesday (1 February) that the 2017 Asian Youth Para Games will take place in Dubai, UAE, from 10-14 December. The last Asian Youth Para Games were held in Malaysia in 2013.

The event is being organised in conjunction with the Dubai Club for the Disabled whose sports facilities will also host the events. The club is well known in the region and the facilities have been used for various Para sport events including World Para Athletics regional events and most recently the Fazza International Para Archery Championship. An estimated 600 athletes under 20 years of age are expected to compete in 10 sports; athletics, swimming, boccia, goalball, archery, chess, badminton, 10-pin bowling, powerlifting and table tennis.

APC President Majid Rashed commented: “Today’s announcement is another demonstration of our commitment to building the Paralympic Movement in Asia. It’s vital that we provide opportunities for young athletes to compete in a multi-sport environment and this will hopefully inspire them to continue on their sporting journey which may lead ultimately to the Paralympic Games.”