WWR is delighted to announce that the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby European Qualification Championship will be hosted by the Norwegian Rugby Association at Skien Fritidspark.
Four days of competition will commence Wednesday 7th September 2022 with finals day on Saturday 10th September 2022. 10 European Wheelchair Rugby National teams will be competing for places at the European Championship 2023 to be hosted by Great Britain to be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales in late April early May 2023.
Richard Allcroft, WWR President said: “I’d like to thank Erik Baret from the Norwegian Rugby Federation for his drive and commitment to wheelchair rugby. It has been a dream of his for many years to bring an exciting event to Norway. The challenges of the pandemic over the last two years have brought about an opportunity to host a larger gathering of our European Nations. A 10 team European Championship Qualifying Championship that forms part of the pathway to the Paralympic Games and World Championship. Good luck to all involved and I look forward to seeing you in Norway”.
Kathy Newman WWR Head of Competitions stated
“The WWR Competitions Working Group is thrilled to see the upcoming 2022 WWR European Qualification Championship being hosted in Norway for the first time. This is an exciting move forward for the Norwegian Rugby Association as they move to implementing a hosting program and growing their national team program. Hosting events offers many valuable benefits and Norway is already reaping benefits through the support of their government ensuring a lasting legacy for wheelchair rugby in Norway. WWR looks forward to working closely with Erik Baret and his team in delivering an exceptional tournament.
Erik Baret of the Norwegian Rugby Federation
The Norwegian Rugby Federation is looking forward to welcome teams from the European Wheelchair Rugby family to Norway, and the world class venue at Skien Fritidspark with their impeccable accessibility both in the venue and hotel. We have been working for many years on both expanding the wheelchair Rugby community in Norway, and developing our organising skills with club, regional and national events. The time has come to take it a step further and host a WWR licensed event. The development of wheelchair rugby in Norway, our ability to host WWR licensed events, will get a significant boost from hosting this event. We look forward to work closely with WWR and its resource personnel.
Per Thorkildsen President Norwegian Rugby Federation
The Norwegian Rugby Federation is proud to be allocated this tournament and are looking forward to welcome all the athletes , their support staff and officials to Norway. For us it shows the strength of our federation where wheelchair rugby and rugby Union work together under one umbrella to grow both sports. I wish to thank the WWR for the approval and all involved in Norway to make this happen. See you in Norway this September!
For further information please contact Kathy Newman (knewman@iwrf.com)
About WWR.
WWR is the global governing body responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby, and a member of the International Paralympic Committee. The mission of WWR is to grow and support the global Wheelchair Rugby Family, with a vision to be a world leader in Para Sport. For more information, please visit our website at worldwheelchair.rugby or email office@worldwheelchair.rugby
