Worcester has been selected to host the first ever IWAS Women's World Games, which will take place next summer.
The International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) is working with the University of Worcester to bring the Games to the City.
The state-of-the-art facilities of the University of Worcester Arena, Malvern College and Nunnery Wood Sports Complex, will play host to a preliminary sports programme of athletics, badminton, swimming, table tennis, para taekwondo, and wheelchair fencing.
Female athletes with any physical impairment, from 14 years old and upwards, will be welcomed for seven days of competition, from August 27th " September 3rd 2018.
Mick Donovan, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Inclusive Sport & Educational Development) and Head of the University's Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: "We are delighted to be bringing the first ever IWAS Women's World Games to Worcester for what we are sure will be a wonderful event, and one which will really capture the imagination of the local community."
The University of Worcester is a pioneer in its development of opportunities relating to inclusive sport and was the first to develop a dedicated degree programme in Disability Sport Coaching.
Four years ago the University opened the Country's first sporting arena purpose-designed for athletes with physical impairments. The Arena will play host to several sports on the programme.
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Mr Donovan added: "The IWAS tournament represents all that we stand for at Worcester " giving athletes of every physical ability the chance to come together to compete and enjoy sport."
Charmaine Hooper, Chief Executive Officer at IWAS, said: "IWAS has always been committed to the development of sporting opportunities for all athletes with a physical impairment to maximise their potential, without focussing solely on elite athletes. With the development and promotion of sport for female athletes a key objective of IWAS, we are delighted to kick start this initiative with the hosting of the first IWAS Women's World Games in Worcester.
"Partnered with the wealth of experience and knowledge at the University of Worcester, we are sure the event will be a great success and will inspire women and girls around the world to participate and compete in sport."
Around 200 participants from approximately 30 different countries are expected to come to Worcester to compete in the Championships.
IWAS, previously known as the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation, were the founders of the Paralympic Games. Their history of governing international sporting events and working with Local Organising Committees is now over 60 years old.