The event takes place over the next seven days in Loano, Italy.

The men’s team that will represent Australia will be led by 2013 World Championship bronze medallists Jarrod Thomson, Joshua Cleary, Bradley Kinross and Wayne Kinross in the event that takes place between November 20-26.

The Boomerangs have enjoyed a fine build-up with a tour to Japan as well as playing in national competitions. 

They played at the Ivor Burge Championships in Bendigo and the 2017 Queens Birthday Long Weekend Tournament in Melbourne along with several training camps.

“This time together has been invaluable for the team, both in allowing players to gel as a team and for the coaches to appreciate the players strengths and combinations,” said head coach Simon Robinson.

Other players to make their way into the team include 2015 INAS Global Games representatives Frazer Dawber, Justin Koenig and Jake De La Motte. James Myers, Dylan Pace and Jack Littleton will make their national debut.

De La Motte stood out at the Ivor Burge Championships whilst Myers and Pace impressed with outstanding performances at the 2017 Queens Birthday tournament and the 2016 tour of Japan. 

Littleton’s size and strength will come in handy against the larger European teams.

“There is a good blend of experience and youth in the team and after just missing out on a medal in Ecuador [at the 2015 Global Games] they will be keen to go one better this tournament,” said Robinson.

While the Boomerangs are currently ranked sixth in the world they are rarely far from the medals. 

They have reached the medal round in half of the Championship tournaments since 1992, winning bronze in Portugal in 1996 and Turkey in 2013.

INAS represents more than 300,000 athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. 

They give elite athletes the chance to compete at an international level and on the Paralympic stage.