This is the IBSA’s president’s, Ilgar Rahimov, speech in the Closing Ceremony of the 2023 IBSA World Games:

“A week ago I challenged you, our IBSA athletes to excite and inspire the world. You most certainly did that. I saw excellence every day and on every field of play in all our sports.

To the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands thank you for your enthusiasm and support these past days and in particular the volunteers, the wonderful volunteers without whom no event is possible!

I want to extend special thanks to the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and the lead sponsor the Royal National Institute for Blind together with the International Blind Football Foundation and Sky Consulting. A very big thank you!

I’m told by many of you, our athletes that once an event comes to its end you start thinking of the next. Just before these Games we asked our IBSA Members about possible hosts for the next World Games in 2027. I can report that in the last days we already have serious interest. We hope to make an announcement early in 2024.

Dear IBSA family, For the first time, during our games, elections were held for the Athletes’ Council. It is very important that athletes will be represented on the IBSA Board, and will take a part in the governance. I thank all who supported organizing these elections in a short time. I congratulate all of you on this success. Our Secretary General will announce the results of the elections soon.

I’ve saved my final thanks for BBS, British Blind Sports and it’s Chairman, CEO and the whole of their team whose dedication and commitment has been outstanding. IBSA owe you all our respect for your efforts over years not just the last few days.

Finally athletes, let me wish you every success for next year in Paris. I know you will now dedicate your time and energies to meet your potential and make your families and IBSA proud.

Thank you.”

Re-live the Closing Ceremony here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK5R19Qvgow