The decision to relocate to Portugal was taken as part of the measures introduced by the IWAS and other International Federations in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine with the support of Belarus. 

Both countries have been banned from hosting international sporting events since. 

The Complexo Desportivo Vila Real de Santo Antonio was the venue for the 2017 World Games and the 2021 World Games, which was cancelled because of COVID-19.

The 2022 World Games will welcome athletes of the IWAS Membership to compete over four days of competition in a provisional programme of athletics, swimming, powerlifting and cerebral palsy football, which will make its first appearance at the Games. 

"Although the circumstances in which we will find ourselves in Portugal this year are not without sadness, we have no doubt that with our partners in Portugal, the invaluable support of our IWAS Member (FPDD) and the National Federations in the country, that this Games will be a huge success," IWAS President Rudi Van Den Abbeele said.

"After the years of uncertainty we have all faced, we greatly look forward to the opportunity to meet once again to share in a celebration of sport, peace and unity."

The requests to host classification and sanctioning applications to the International Federations are underway. 

International classification is confirmed in powerlifting, while other sports will be informed soon. 

IWAS has also encouraged its Membership to register their interest in attending the games.