Back to paralympic.org
World-Para-Athletics-header-logo

The World Para Athletics Championships 

World Para Athletics Championships is the flagship competition of World Para Athletics (‘WPA’). The first World Para Athletics Championships (formerly IPC Athletics) were held in Berlin, Germany in 1994. The Championships, as have the entire Paralympic Movement, have grown considerably since.  
 

These World Championships transform lives on and off the track 

 

Why Bid? 

  • Bring the world’s marquee Para athletics event to your region while investing in post COVID-19 economic recovery 
  • Showcase your city and country to the world 
  • Leverage the unique economic and especially the social benefits of these Championships 
  • Become a recognised global leader around diversity and inclusion  

Minimal investment – Maximum ROI 

  • Cost: Modest budget compared to other world sports events 
  • Economic Benefits:  Collaborate with tourism partners to bring athletes and spectators from over 100 nations. London 2017 found a direct regional economic impact of nearly EUR 50 million 
  • Impact: Guaranteed headline grabbing world records and jaw dropping performances  
  • Reach: Growing global television and social media audience. Dubai 2019 attracted a record worldwide cumulative audience of more than 300 million viewers 
  • Long-term Legacy: Much more than a sports event – a Championships with a social legacy. Like the Paralympic Games, the World Para Athletics Championships is the world’s leading sports event driving social change 
    A graphic showing the TV and social media figures from the World Para Athletics Championships

How the event drives social change and leaves a social legacy 

  • The Championships showcase your city as a leader in accessibility and inclusion for all 
  • The event has proven legacy of raising awareness of systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities and improving the accessibility infrastructure throughout the host city including transportation, venues, and hotels  
  • Aligns your community’s long-term strategic plan to the event’s goals around diversity, inclusion and sustainability  
  • The Championships encourage Local Organizing Committees to adopt best practices including delivering sustainable events (ISO20121)   
2023 world championships bid timelines
Delivery Actions Final Date 
WPA open the bid process and release the Expression of Interest November 2020
Submission of Expression of Interest forms to WPA  28 January 2021 
WPA release detailed bid documents to the eligible Bid Authorities (BA)  By January 2021 
Meetings/Calls with prospective hosts on-demand  January-March 2021 
Submission of final bid to WPA   2 April 2021 
Bid evaluation and inspections and follow up requested from finalists  April-June 2021
Evaluation reports created and Selection of host   July 2021 

 

2025 world championships bid timelines
Delivery Actions  Final Date  
WPA open the bid process and release the Expression of Interest.   November 2020 
Submission of Expression of Interest forms  31 March 2021 
WPA release detailed bid documents to the eligible Bid Authorities (BA)  April 2021 
Meetings/Calls with prospective hosts on-demand  April- July 2021 
Submission of final bid to WPA   August 2021 
Bid evaluation and inspections and follow up requested from finalists  September -October 2021 
Evaluation reports created and Selection of host   November 2021 

 
Host City Requirements 

This list is a brief breakdown of key requirements. Full requirements will be shared with provision of bid book template to bidding authority. 

General 

  • City with a minimum population of 250,000 residents and a greater metropolitan area population of more than 1,000,000 residents 
  • Ensure all Championships venues are available for the duration of the Championships (15-16 days total) 
  • 1-2 days arrivals 
  • 3-4 days classification 
  • 10 days competition (including opening ceremony and closing ceremony) 
  • 1-2 days departures 
  • Minimum of 3,000 beds in hotels or village setting located within approximately 30 minutes’ drive of main venue and training venues 
  • A minimum of one international airport located within the city 
  • A minimum budget of at least EUR 8 million (recommended no less than EUR 10 million)

Championships Venues

  • Minimum 15,000 seat stadium 
  • Minimum 8-lane certified synthetic track  
  • Warm up facilities including standard 400m track with at least 6-lanes, jumping and throwing areas (short throws), and a separate long throwing area 
  • Team preparation spaces 
  • Dedicated athletes, international officials, and national officials’ lounges 
  • Media tribunes for approximately 100 seats and a media centre with approximately 200 seats or the ability to create a temporary solution 
  • In stadium VIP seating and hospitality facilities or the ability to create a temporary hospitality centre 
  • Broadcast compound or the ability to set up a temporary broadcast compound throughout the duration of the Championships 
  • Minimum two additional training venues with 6-lane track (minimum), high jump, long jump, shot put and long throwing areas  
  • High traffic 'fan village' area or similar 
  • Includes area for a Medals Plaza (victory ceremonies) and special events stage 
  • Includes space for sponsor activation and/or Championship spectator engagement 

Expression of Interest for Hosting World Para Athletics Championships

Please click on the following link to complete the Bid Expression of Interest Form.

Forms should be completed no later than the dates mentioned in the above timelines.

World Para Athletics Bidding Summary

You can find the WPA Championships Bidding Summary Document for additional details, by clicking here.

If you have any questions or seek further information please contact WPA [email protected].