Canada to host 2020 IWRF Paralympic Qualification Tournament
Canadian city Richmond has been announced as host of the 2020 International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) Paralympic Qualification Tournament.
The event will be held at Richmond Olympic Oval from March 2 to 9.
Eight countries will participate to determine the last two positions in the wheelchair rugby competition at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Hosts Canada will be joined by five teams selected from the 2019 IWRF Zone Championships and two countries from the IWRF world-ranking list, comprising Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, South Korea, Sweden and Thailand.
The top-two finishers will compete alongside Australia, Denmark, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand and the United States at Tokyo 2020.
Bids to host the tournament were received from Richmond, Paris and German town Bad Vilbel.
Richmond and Paris proceeded to the final selection phase, with the former ultimately chosen.
“My congratulations to Canada on an excellent presentation and bid package,” IWRF President Richard Allcroft said.
“They have a good reputation in delivering quality wheelchair rugby events.
“Recognition should also go to France for putting in a strong application and I encourage them to consider more bids, especially as we are already looking at the Paralympics in Paris in 2024.
“Good luck to all teams competing in next year’s qualification tournament; I know the remaining two slots for Tokyo 2020 will be fiercely competed for.”
Laurel Crosby, President of Wheelchair Rugby Canada and British Columbia Wheelchair Sports Association, added: “We are honoured to be selected as hosts for the 2020 IWRF Paralympic Qualification Tournament.
“We are excited to welcome teams to a world-class wheelchair rugby venue in the Richmond Olympic Oval and know that it’s going to be an exciting and spirited competition.”
The Tokyo 2020 wheelchair rugby competition will take place from August 26 to 30.
November 29, 2019
Daniel Etchells
Senior Reporter
inside the games
