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What is it? European Para Championships 2023

When is it? August 8 to August 20.

Where is it? Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands is the main venue, with various outdoor venues in the heart of the second largest city in the country set to be used.

The other venues include Schouwburgplein, Kop van Zuid, Scheepsvaartkwartier, Willem-Alexanderbaan, and TV Victoria.

Who's taking part? A total of 1,500 Paralympic athletes from forty-five different European countries will be competing in the event.

Competitions are scheduled to be held in Para archery, Para badminton, Boccia, Para cycling, goalball, Para judo, shooting Para sport, Para taekwondo, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair tennis.

The event was founded by Eric Kersten, who is also the chief executive of sports events agency Team TOC.

The Opening Ceremony of the European Para Championships will be held on August 7 ©EPC
The Opening Ceremony of the European Para Championships will be held on August 7 ©EPC

Why is it important? It is planned to be held every four years, preceding the Paralympic Games.

The 2023 edition will have 10 different Para sports with qualifying points on offer for the Paralympics in Paris next year.

The event aims to create a new standard for Paralympic sports around the world with the hope of inspiring people to involve in physical activities.

What's the history? The 2023 European Para Championships in Rotterdam is the first edition of the event.

Organisers have said that it is not going to be a one-off event and is set to be a regular feature in the  European sports calendar in 2027, 2031 and beyond.

How can I watch it? A partnership has been announced with Spring Media Group for the European Para Championships in Rotterdam.

Fans can catch the action on their OTT platform provided by Staylive for free, with English commentary and live graphics available.

The Opening Ceremony of the European Para Championships will be held on August 7.

European Para Championships 2023