The European Paralympic Committee has revealed the final sports that will be on the programme of the 2025 European Para Youth Games (EPYG) taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 21-28 July.
Para athletics and wheelchair basketball complete the list, following on from the announcement of the first seven sports earlier in 2024.
This brings the total to a record number of nine which also includes Para archery, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para taekwondo and Para table tennis.
In addition the European Paralympic Committee is targeting the largest ever number of athletes and countries to increase the EPYG’s reach and impact. 1,500 Para athletes aged between 12-23 and coaches and officials from 35 countries are expected to travel to Istanbul next summer.
As well as competition, they will also get to take part in the Discovery Programme which will provide a platform for education and experiences in areas on and off the field of play.
Raymon Blondel, President of the European Paralympic Committee, said: “It is wonderful to announce the biggest ever number of sports for an EPYG in the wake of the success of the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
“We aim for EPYG participants to develop and push themselves, shoot for the stars, connect and collaborate and have fun. The EPYG’s ethos of ‘Grow, Aspire, Play’ includes everyone from athletes to coaching and support staff, the Local Organising Committee, sports, partners and volunteers.
“Istanbul 2025 is shaping-up to be an exciting competition that will build on the strong foundations of past EPYG and grows the event sustainably.
“The Türkiye NPC as the Local Organising Committee aspires to deliver the best-ever EPYG that leaves a meaningful legacy. And we are working closely with them, athletes, International and Regional Federations and our Membership to ensure that it meets their needs as one of Europe’s biggest platforms for the development of Para sport.”
Commenting on wheelchair basketball’s inclusion on the programme, Walter Pfaller, President of International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Europe, said:
“It is a great honour for IWBF Europe to be part of the European Para Youth Games 2025 in Istanbul/Türkiye. This is a great opportunity for our youth wheelchair basketball players to compete with players of the same age and to show their potential on a large international stage.
“I hope and wish that many national federations will take advantage of the opportunity to participate and give our youth the opportunity to compete internationally.”
The official invitation to the Istanbul 2025 EPYG will be sent to European Paralympic Committee members in December, with entries opening in the Spring of 2025.
More information and all current updates on EPYG 2025 can be found at europaralympic.org ahead of the launch of the official Istanbul 2025 website early in the new year.
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