Gloria Agblemagnon during a shot-put throw at the London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships

Next stage of entries opens for 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games

The second entry stage for the 2019 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games taking place in Brisbane, Australia, from 12-19 October is now open.

The 2019 edition of the event is expected to be the biggest and best yet with more than 1,000 athletes competing in 11 sports.

The second entry stage invites countries to submit their teams by number, pay a 20 per cent deposit and indicate likely arrival and departure dates. World Intellectual Impairment Sport is also asking for the number of athletes requiring classification.

The Global Games take place less than one year ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, so for the sports of table tennis, athletics and swimming it is a key stop on the calendar. Many athletes have made their international debut at the event and gone on to medal at the Paralympics.

The second entry stage closes on 12 April.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport is also reminding its members that any new eligibility applications – the first step towards classification by the relevant International Federation in some sports – must be sent as soon as possible in order to guarantee approval in time for Brisbane 2019. The demand experienced in previous years, which has seen the number of applications rise to nearly 650 in 12 months, has continued into 2019.

The World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games are the world’s biggest sports events for athletes with intellectual impairments. The 2019 edition will feature athletics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, cycling, basketball, taekwondo, futsal, rowing, cricket and field hockey with the Paralympic sports recognised by the relevant International Federations.