IBSA World Games 2023 kick-off this Friday

You may have noticed campus is looking a bit different, and that’s because we’re getting ready to host the 2023 International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games – how exciting! 

From Friday 18 August until Sunday 27 August, over 1,000 blind and partially sighted athletes from 70 countries, will be competing in 10 sports across Birmingham and the wider region. We’re proud to be hosting five of those sports here on campus, including blind football.  

If you're still on campus over the summer, or live locally, there’ll be lots for you to get involved with over the 10 days, including an accessible and fun ‘Have a Go’ zone on Chancellor’s Court.  Most of the sports happening on campus will be free to the public to spectate (amazing!) but just note that some sports are ticketed events including blind football and judo. You can check the Sports Schedule on the official IBSA website for a full overview.  

During this time, campus will be busier than usual so please be vigilant (and patient) when travelling around as we’ll be hosting a high number of both visually impaired athletes and visitors on-site.  

Campus changes 

Grange Road (near the Estates Maintenance building), and Grange Road car park will be closed until Wednesday 30 August.  

You'll still be able to walk onto campus through Bournbrook Gate and campus will be open as usual with no restricted access/fencing. The only places you might not be able to enter are the IBSA venues as some will require accreditation. 

South Gate car park will also be closed from Sunday 13 to Sunday 27 August due to volunteer and workforce parking. Spectators will be directed towards the Northeast multi-story car park, so this may be busier than usual during the Games. 

Visit our FAQs page on the intranet to view a full list of the most common questions and some helpful answers. 

Enjoy the Games!