In just 90 days, 1000 athletes from up to 80 countries will converge on Brisbane to compete in the INAS Global Games 2019 (GG2019) – the largest, international multi-sport event to be held in Australia this year.
Held every four years the INAS Global Games is a world class sporting competition where athletes with an intellectual impairment must achieve a high-level qualification to compete in their sports before being selected to represent their country.
Over seven intensive days of competition from 12-19 October athletes from around the globe will contest ten internationally sanctioned sports that include: athletics, basketball, cricket, cycling, futsal, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and tennis.
INAS Global Games 2019 (GG2019) CEO, Robyn Smith said the countdown had truly begun with team lists being finalised and teams preparing to head to Australia from countries including France, America, Great Britain, New Zealand, Japan and China.
“This is a truly international competition and whilst the rivalry is friendly, it is fiercely competitive with three of our sports featuring events that can qualify athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
“This event is hosted by Sport Inclusion Australia and is a celebration of the incredible abilities these athletes have in their chosen sports – they all have phenomenal talent and like all athletes work incredibly hard to represent their country.
“Through hosting these Games, we know we can challenge perceptions, change attitudes and strengthen communities locally and globally and leave a legacy that showcases the power of sport to break down barriers and create social inclusion.”
In the true nature of an international event, Ms Smith said organisers will shortly announce the Australian Global Games team, reveal the event mascot and the spectacular medals, as well as revealing how spectators and fans can attend this incredible event.
The first multi-sport event for athletes with an intellectual impairment was held in Harnosand, Sweden in 1989. The last INAS Global Games was held in Ecuador in 2015.
