Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a major sporting event coming to Birmingham this summer. The 2023 International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games are being held across Birmingham and other regional venues including Coventry, Warwick and Walsall between 18-27 August – marking the first time it has ever been held in the UK.
The World Games will see around 1,250 blind and partially sighted athletes from 70 countries competing in 10 sports – three of which include men’s blind football, men’s and women’s goalball, and judo which are qualification tournaments for the 2024 Paralympic Games. Other sports featured include archery, chess, men’s and women’s cricket, powerlifting, ten pin bowling, tennis, and showdown.
The World Games will provide an opportunity for more than 400 volunteers to play their part in what is expected to be the largest gathering of blind and partially sighted athletes ever brought to the UK. Volunteers are required at every venue to fill a range of positions, from helping with classification to assisting athletes within the villages in games services. Volunteers are also needed to create content in media and marketing team, within each sport at training and competition sessions and at all venues to ensure spectators have the best experience.
The World Games predominantly takes place at venues in Birmingham – including University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus, however there are also venues further afield in Coventry, Warwick and Walsall, including Coventry Building Society Arena and University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus. There are a range of opportunities available and we are ideally looking for volunteers who can be available for six shifts or more throughout the duration of the event. Volunteer opportunities are available from 12th – 28th August, however a higher level of support will be required during the World Games competition days.
The Volunteer Programme is open to all to apply and applicants can specify their availability and location preferences. Successful applicants will be contacted throughout June and July. To apply to become a volunteer, visit https://forms.volunteero.org/view/b11c5349-8d4f-4116-9663-495e2ebb8059.
For queries please email ibsa2023volunteers@powerofpeople.org.uk