LOCAL businesses are being offered the chance to be involved in a major international sporting event taking place in Worcester in late summer.

The University of Worcester Arena in Hylton Road will host both the Men’s and Women’s European Wheelchair Basketball Championships from August 28 until September 6, ten days of action which will see the British teams do battle with their continental counterparts for the title of European champion, and to secure a crucial qualifying place for the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

To deliver the event, British Wheelchair Basketball has also teamed up with key partner the University of Worcester, with support from Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, said: “The European Wheelchair Basketball Championships will shine a spotlight firmly on the county. We know the positive economic impact that such high profile sporting events bring to Worcestershire and I would encourage businesses to consider the many opportunities the games will bring as well as the sponsorship options available.”

Three sponsorship options are available to local businesses: sponsoring a game, including the choice of a GB Team game, supporting a school or community group to attend and sponsoring the most valuable player award with the opportunity to present the award. Packages range from £100 to sponsor a group from a school or community group (of 25 young people) through to larger sponsorship options meaning there is something for companies of all sizes to get involved.

The Championships form part of UK Sport’s National Lottery funded #EveryRoadtoRio events series which supports the nation’s athletes in their preparation and qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Charlie Bethel, chief executive of British Wheelchair Basketball, said: “Following the success and popularity of Wheelchair Basketball in London 2012, we are already witnessing an incredible amount of support and excitement for the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships. We are therefore pleased to be able to provide several sponsorship opportunities which will allow businesses of all sizes to gain strong publicity and coverage during the event, as well as for local companies and businesses to get behind GB Team as we then look forward to the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio next year.”

For a full list of available sessions and games for hospitality and tickets, contact e.westwood@britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk.