International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball has launched a search for hosts for youth regionals and senior group B European Championships in 2020.
 
The sport is looking for bids to stage inaugural youth competitions in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Americas and Europe as it aims to grow its presence around the world.
 
The latest edition of the senior group B Euros were held in Chorzow, Poland, in October. Ukraine, Greece and Spain were promoted to the A pool from the men’s and Ukraine, Finland and Sweden from the women’s.
 
IBSA Goalball Chairperson Kari Rasanen said: “IBSA Goalball is really excited about the youth regional programme, created in response to demand from countries and athletes around the world. We are looking forward to offering a platform for the next generation of goalball players to show the world what they can do.
 
“By launching the bid process more than a year in advance we hope that hosts and teams alike have enough time to secure budgets and prepare themselves for these events.”
 
Organisations interested in hosting any of the competitions can contact [email protected] org or download the application here. IBSA members must be in good standing.
 
Applications must include the proposed location include facility/venue details relevant to the IBSA competition rules for goalball, a funding plan that features proposed revenue sources, expenses and anticipated tournament costs and the name of the closest major airport and transportation arrangements. A letter of support from the IBSA member must also be attached.
 
The deadline for applications is 12 December.