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British Wheelchair Basketball has been granted the honor of hosting the 2027 IWBF European Championships, with Liverpool selected as the location for this significant event. Scheduled to take place from September 11 to 19, 2027, the championships will be held at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, located on the city’s vibrant waterfront. The tournament promises to highlight some of the world’s top wheelchair basketball athletes, who exemplify power, skill, and determination. Beyond the competition itself, the event aims to challenge prevailing social perceptions about disability through the thrilling and tactically intense games on display.
The championship carries even greater importance as it doubles as a qualifying event for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. National men’s and women’s teams from across Europe will vie for the opportunity to secure their spots at the Paralympics. For Great Britain, this marks their first time hosting an IWBF major tournament since the 2015 European Championships in Worcester. Both the men’s and women’s teams will compete on home ground as they strive to build momentum toward winning their inaugural Paralympic gold medals in Los Angeles, a city renowned for its legendary sporting venues such as those home to the LA Lakers and LA Sparks.
This event is seen as a transformative moment for wheelchair basketball within the UK, supported by substantial investments from The National Lottery, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Experience Campus, and Liverpool Accommodation BID. The organization and execution of the championships will be managed by UKEL, a prominent event hosting agency, ensuring a seamless experience for athletes, officials, and spectators. UKEL also plans to implement a comprehensive social impact program designed to leave a lasting positive influence on both the sport and the local community.
Community leaders and officials have expressed strong support for the championships. Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr William Shortall, highlighted the city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, noting his personal connection as a wheelchair user. British Wheelchair Basketball CEO Justine Baynes emphasized the event’s potential to ignite a broader movement beyond sport, inspiring greater engagement across the UK. Walter Pfaller, President of IWBF Europe, praised both Britain’s track record in hosting top international events and Liverpool’s excellent facilities, declaring the city an ideal home for wheelchair basketball. Additional endorsements from UK Sport, the M&S Bank Arena, and Liverpool’s Business Improvement District underscore the broad enthusiasm for hosting this major sporting occasion in the heart of Liverpool
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