Highlights of the 2017 disability sport calendar
Keep up-to-date with the jam-packed disability sport calendar with our picks of the events to be aware of this year*.
British Para-Swimming International Meet: April 27 – 30, 2017
Athletes from around the world will be making a splash in April at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Expect winning performances from the likes of Bethany Firth MBE (the most decorated team GB Paralympian at Rio 2016) in the 200m freestyle and Hannah Russell MBE in the backstroke.
Wimbledon: July 3 – 16, 2017
Stock up on strawberries and Pimms, and keep an eye out on the courts for Fish Insurance ambassador Jordanne Whiley MBE, one half of the duo to be crowned Ladies Wheelchair Doubles Champion at last year’s finals. Fun fact: this is only the second year in which the Wheelchair Singles event has featured.
World Para Athletics Championships: July 14 – 23, 2017
This summer will see the eighth World Para Athletics Championships, with London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park playing host. Some of the world’s greatest athletes will meet to contest a range of disciplines including shot put, long jump and 5000m meters. Look out for Britain’s Jonnie Peacock in the 100m T44 event.
Summer Deaflympics: July 18 – July 30, 2017
The Turkish port city of Samsun will host the 23rd Summer Deaflympics in July. Organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), deaf and hard of hearing elite athletes will meet to compete in events including beach volleyball, judo, orienteering and football.
Invictus Games: September 23 – 30, 2017
A highlight of the disability sporting calendar, and one that attracts lots of attention due to its famous ambassador Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is a competition for injured soldiers and veterans. Last year London was the backdrop to the second Invictus Games which saw over 500 competitors from 14 countries. Enjoy sports such as sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair basketball, when action kicks off in Toronto in September.
Para-Badminton World Championships: November 21 – 26, 2017
Athletes will be letting their racquets do the talking at the 11th Para-Badminton World Championships in Ulsan, South Korea. England hosted the last one in 2015, where 232 athletes (a record number) from 35 nations around the world competed in 22 events.
IWAS World Games: November 30 – December 6, 2017
The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation’s event will take place in Portugal, where athletes will battle it out in sports including swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and ParaVolley. The competition is split into three age categories: under 20s, open class and masters (over 40s).
*Dates and venues are subject to change.
