The organisers of the 2019 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball and Judo International Qualifier in Fort Wayne, USA, have announced ticket and entertainment information for the official Welcome Ceremony to take place on 2 July.

Taking place at Parkview Field in the city at 7:30pm, the event will feature internationally acclaimed Voices of Unity Choir and local favourite the Sweetwater All Stars band.

The Welcome Ceremony will celebrate the beginning of eight days of international goalball and judo competition hosted at three locations throughout Fort Wayne; the Grand Wayne Convention Center, Indiana Tech and Turnstone Center. The competition offers the chance for goalball teams to book their tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and for judoka to add points to the world rankings that go towards qualification.

The ceremonial event will feature program elements such as the Parade of Countries with escorts from the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne, and remarks from Turnstone, United States Association of Blind Athletes, International Blind Sports Federation, and other officials in attendance. 

Tickets for the Welcome Ceremony are now available from the Parkview Field Box Office and online here. Tickets cost 5 USD per person. Children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free, but do require a ticket that can be acquired at the Box Office and online.

Gates will open at 6:00pm. Attendees will be able to enjoy an evening downtown at Parkview Field with access to the stadium concessions and the Parkview Field Kid Zone.

The 2019 IBSA Goalball and Judo Paralympic Qualifying Competition will provide some of the world’s best athletes the chance to book their ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Events will be held at Turnstone Center, Indiana Tech and the Grand Wayne Center.

Over 40 countries will be represented by nearly 600 athletes, coaches and delegation staff in addition to the international delegates who will be participating in IBSA’s General Assembly also being held in Fort Wayne in conjunction with the competition.

The competition is being organised by the United States Association of Blind Athletes. It will be shown live on IBSA Judo and IBSA Goalball's Facebook pages and IBSA's YouTube channel.