INAS Beginning Search for 2023 Global Games Host

The news was announced in Inside The Games.

Countries wishing to host the 2023 event, the sixth edition of the Global Games, must submit their expression of interest by April 30.

Candidates are due to be announced on May 31 with formal bids accepted until January 31 next year.

All bids will then be reviewed by the Global Games Committee with the host announced in June 2019.

Applicants in the bidding process must submit plans in several key areas including facilities and transport, anti-doping, accommodation, media, marketing and branding, venues, legacy and staffing and budgets.

They must also provide letters of support from national or local Government and the national or local sports authority.

INAS President Marc Truffaut said he was looking forward to applications to host the 2023 Games.

"The Global Games are our biggest, most prestigious event and one that is constantly growing in size and profile," he said.

"They act as the World Championships for each sport in that year and for the non-Paralympic sports on the programme, it is the highest level those athletes can compete at.

Truffaut added: "For organisers, there are huge opportunities in staging an event of such importance, not least the chance to create a genuine legacy and attract attention from all over the world.

"With the next edition in Brisbane, Australia, in 2019 expected to raise the bar once again, we are looking for organisers who can take the Games to the next level.

"We look forward to receiving bids from INAS members who can demonstrate how their knowledge, experience, infrastructure and passion for sport could help them to deliver the best Global Games yet."

The Global Games attracts more than 1,000 competitors and is the world's largest gathering of elite athletes with intellectual impairments.

The Games feature sports including athletics, cycling, rowing, swimming and tennis. 

Many athletes have used the Global Games, which takes place a year before the Summer Paralympic Games, as a platform for Paralympic success.

The website is here.