2025 Wheelchair Rugby European Championship

Every two years, the eight best wheelchair rugby teams in Europe compete for the European title. This year, the Netherlands hosted this spectacular event. From April 22 to 27, the eight best teams competed at Sportcampus Zuiderpark, The Hague, for the European title. The event plays a crucial role in the preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and offers direct qualification for the 2026 World Championship. During the exploratory phase, we provided the international federation with advice and support, after which we took on the full execution of the event.

Spectacular and Fast-Paced Team Sport

Wheelchair rugby is a spectacular and fast-paced team sport designed for athletes with physical disabilities affecting their limbs. The sport combines speed, agility, beautiful passes, and solid contact, and requires a lot of strategic insight. For years, wheelchair rugby has been one of the most attractive team sports at the Paralympic Games, but unfortunately still relatively unknown in the Netherlands. Thanks to the European Championship, held in the Netherlands this year, that has changed. During the championship, we welcomed over 2,500 people to Sportcampus Zuiderpark, had more than 41,000 people watch via the livestream, and introduced over 700 people to wheelchair rugby.

World Championship Qualification

France, just like in 2023, took home the gold medal. Denmark won silver, and Great Britain had to settle for bronze. Along with Germany, these countries have already qualified for the 2026 World Championship. Since the Netherlands finished fifth in the European Championship, they have qualified for the World Championship qualification tournament and still have a chance to participate in the World Championship.

Social Impact

In the run-up to, during, and after the European Wheelchair Rugby Championship, various activities were organized to promote the sport and create social impact.

Clinics

Prior to the European Wheelchair Rugby Championship, several clinics were organized. On February 16, a parasport day was held where participants could try out various parasports, including wheelchair rugby. Additionally, there were clinics at the Basalt rehabilitation center, SO de Piramide, and during Olympic Moves.

On April 19, visitors and residents of The Hague could try wheelchair rugby at pop-up fields in the Grotemarktstraat and the Buitenhof.

During the event itself, visitors also had the opportunity to try wheelchair rugby at the visitor plaza at the entrance of the Sportcampus, with additional clinics held throughout the week.

Multisport Days

On Tuesday, April 22, a Multisport Day for people with muscular diseases or other motor impairments took place at Sportcampus Zuiderpark. Afterward, participants could watch the Dutch team from the stands. On Thursday, April 24, a Multisport Day for the visually impaired was also organized at Sportcampus Zuiderpark.

Blind Tribune

Following the Multisport Day for the visually impaired, a blind tribune was organized during the match between the Netherlands and France. Thanks to Gazeti's equipment, participants could choose their own seats using their own earphones or headphones. This allowed everyone to listen to the commentary by Robin Wubben and Robert Haasjes. In total, there were 21 participants for the blind tribune, and 47 people listened to the commentary.

Kids Press Conference

On Friday, April 25, the kids press conference took place. Twelve children from daycare center 2torentjes and children from the audience had the unique opportunity to ask questions to Dutch wheelchair rugby players Davy van de Dop and Reda Haouam.

The Hague Wheelchair Rugby Team

On the final day of the tournament, it was announced that a wheelchair rugby team will soon be established in The Hague. This initiative is the result of the joint efforts of the Stichting Sportbelang Gehandicapten (SGK), Gehandicaptensport Nederland, and tournament organizer Team TOC. Currently, 10 enthusiastic people have already shown interest in becoming part of The Hague's wheelchair rugby team.