In a groundbreaking announcement for wheelchair basketball, the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) has officially awarded South Africa the hosting rights for the inaugural IWBF 3×3 Open World Championship. This landmark event, set to take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at the world-renowned Sun City resort, will bring the global spotlight to Africa as the continent hosts its first IWBF World Championship. Participating teams will arrive on July 29 and depart on August 4, 2025.
The championship signifies a significant milestone for the sport, introducing the dynamic and fast-paced 3×3 format at the world level. This innovative format aims to widen access to international competition, providing opportunities for smaller nations and individual athletes to compete on the global stage.
A Milestone for Wheelchair Basketball and Africa
The decision to bring this event to South Africa underscores the country’s strong track record in hosting zonal championships and highlights Africa’s growing influence in the sport. IWBF President Ulf Mehrens expressed his excitement about this pivotal moment:
“The inaugural IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships represent an exciting new chapter for wheelchair basketball, and we are thrilled to bring this innovative format to life in South Africa. We are confident that Wheelchair Basketball South Africa will deliver a remarkable championship, laying the path for future 3×3 competitions. This event is a breakthrough for IWBF in the 3×3 format of the sport, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming teams from around the world to Africa for this historic occasion.”
Historic Firsts: The Road Ahead
The 2025 championship marks two significant firsts for wheelchair basketball:
The first-ever 3×3 World Championship in wheelchair basketball history.
The first IWBF World Championship to be held on African soil.
Craig Moorgas, President of Wheelchair Basketball South Africa, shared the immense pride and anticipation surrounding the event:
“Hosting the 2025 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships is a profound honor for South Africa and a monumental step forward for wheelchair basketball in Africa. As the first-ever IWBF 3×3 World Championship, and the first IWBF World Championship to be held on African soil, this event underscores our commitment to advancing the sport and inspiring future generations. We extend our gratitude to the IWBF for this opportunity and look forward to showcasing the spirit and diversity of South Africa while delivering an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.”
The Resurgence of the 3x3 Championship
The announcement of the 2025 championship comes after the unfortunate cancellation of the inaugural 3×3 World Championship in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, IWBF and Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) are determined to turn the 2025 edition into a momentous celebration of resilience, growth, and the unifying power of sport.
A Global Stage at Sun City
Sun City, a premier South African destination known for its luxurious amenities and vibrant atmosphere, will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable tournament. With the growing popularity of 3×3 basketball formats, demonstrated by successful events such as the 3×3 Europe Cup and the Commonwealth Games, the 2025 championship is poised to captivate audiences and drive global engagement with wheelchair basketball.
Fans, players, and stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding participating teams, event details, and opportunities to get involved. This event is set to be a defining chapter in the history of wheelchair basketball, and the countdown to August 2025 has officially begun.
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