The first of 14 UK Sport and The National Lottery funded major events being hosted in the UK this year – the 2023 Wheelchair Rugby European Championships – kicks off in Cardiff, Wales this week, 3-7 May 2023.
Made possible by the generous support and investment from The National Lottery and building on a huge year of major events in 2022, this packed events schedule sees the UK continuing to demonstrate a strong track record and reputation as one of the world’s leading major events host nations.
Alongside the UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland in August – the first time that the different cycling disciplines have come together in a single world championship event – the UK is hosting events across para and non-para sports including Triathlon, Swimming, Canoeing, Badminton, Hockey and much more.
The best of British talent will be on show for the home crowds to support, with qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games on the line adding an extra element of drama and competition.
Speaking ahead of the start of the UK’s major events season, UK Sport Head of Major Events Esther Britten said:
“Hosting major global sporting events here in the UK provides the opportunity for extraordinary sporting moments that reach, unite, and inspire the nation, and we are absolutely delighted that the British public will be able to enjoy so many fantastic events this year.
“Whether it is the opportunity for future generations to be inspired by seeing the world’s best athletes competing on the field of play or the huge positive social impact that major events deliver off the field of play through work with local communities, these 14 events will deliver so many benefits to our country and to our communities.
“In the face of a challenging economic environment, hosting major sporting events delivers a strong return on investment for funding provided by the UK government and the vital support of The National Lottery.
“As excitement builds ahead of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer it is a huge boost for our athletes to be able to compete with the support of home crowds spurring them on and we know that fans across the UK will get behind our athletes.
“The UK’s position as a world-leading host of major events delivers huge economic, social and reputational benefits to the UK and we are thrilled to be able to capitalise on the legacy of a momentous year of sporting events in the UK in 2022 with another busy and varied calendar of global sporting events.”
Full list of the 2023 major events: