FORT WAYNE, IN (June 27, 2019) -Athletes from more than 40 countries will compete in Fort Wayne June 28-July 9 to earn their spot in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

With nearly 600 athletes, coaches, delegates and officials registered, the 2019 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball & Judo International Qualifier is the first Paralympic qualifying competition of its kind to come to Fort Wayne.

Training and competitions will be held at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, Turnstone and Indiana Tech.

Turnstone - Fort Wayne’s own official Paralympic training site and the catalyst for the adaptive sports movement in our city- is hosting this monumental event. Their team and local organizing committee have been planning for this since early 2018.

“Hosting a Paralympic qualifier is pretty prestigious in the world of sports. It is the first time IBSA has put the Judo competition in the United States," Visit Fort Wayne President/CEO Dan O'Connell said. "Secondly, its ‘home court’ for our USA Goalball team, both the Men’s and Women’s teams live and train in Fort Wayne. Finally, hundreds of Fort Wayne folks are volunteering to help Turnstone and IBSA put this on. After this, we will have truly earned our marketing slogan of being the 'Adaptive Sports Capital of America.'”

Not only is this major international event an honor to host at Turnstone and throughout the city, but it also comes with significant cultural and economic reward. Members of the community have come together to find creative ways to welcome and interact with these elite Paralympic athletes when they come to our city. Events, public art displays, and increased accessible features have all sprung from the preparation for hosting this event.

And as for the financial reward for the city, an estimated economic impact of $1 million is expected from this event.

For more details about the 2019 IBSA Goalball & Judo International Qualifier, visit www.ibsafortwayne2019.com.

For more information about the event contact Turnstone CEO Mike Mushett at (260) 483-2100 or Visit Fort Wayne President/CEO Dan O'Connell at (260) 424-3700. 

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Visit Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to expand Fort Wayne's economy by attracting convention and leisure visitors. Each year, millions of dollars from visitor spending generate increased commerce, sustained jobs and enhancement of Fort Wayne's Image.

Media Contact:

Mike Mushett
Chief Executive Officer
Turnstone
(260) 483-2100
mike@turnstone.org