One of the biggest sporting events for people with disabilities, the Incheon World Wheelchair Basketball Championship (IWWBC), is taking place in Korea from July 5 to 14. There are 500 athletes from 16 nations participating in the event. The participating countries include the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, the United States, Sweden, Japan, Britain, Australia and Korea. The slogan of the championship is "Hope, Passion and Challenge." There will also be a global conference during the championship in which 91 members of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation will participate.





Wheelchair basketball started in Britain and the United States as part of rehabilitation for those injured during World War II. The first official World Championship, which later became known as the Gold Cup tournament, was held in Belgium in 1973, and continued until 1990. Since 1994, the World Wheelchair Basketball Championship has been held every four years after regional preliminaries.

"Regardless of victory or loss, I hope this event will be a venue for people who love wheelchair basketball to gather and enjoy in harmony," said Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo Jinryong at the opening ceremony. "I also anticipate that it will raise awareness on sports for people with disability and promote international sports exchange and held build friendships."








For more information about the championship, visit the homepage: www.iwwbc2014.org. Entrance is free and snacks and beverages will be provided to spectators.

By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer
jun2@korea.kr