Arnhem, the Netherlands, Appointed Host of the 2028 European Powerchair Hockey Championship
The International Powerchair Hockey (IPCH) Sport Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Arnhem, the Netherlands, has been appointed as the host city for the 2028 European Powerchair Hockey Championship.
The appointment follows the successful conclusion of a comprehensive international bidding process involving two outstanding candidates: Arnhem, the Netherlands, and Pilsen, Czech Republic. Both bids demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the continued development of Powerchair Hockey and presented ambitious, high-quality proposals to host Europe’s premier national team competition.
The evaluation process included detailed site inspections, extensive discussions with both Local Organising Committees, and a thorough comparative assessment of each proposal, including accessibility, accommodation, venue suitability, operational planning, financial sustainability, organisational capacity, legacy, risks and opportunities.
After careful consideration, the Sport Executive Committee concluded that Arnhem offers the strongest overall platform to host the 2028 European Championship.
A number of factors contributed to the decision. The Arnhem bid demonstrated a consistently high standard of accessibility across its venues and accommodation, together with a significantly greater availability of accessible hotel rooms, ensuring athletes and delegations can enjoy independent, reliable and comfortable facilities throughout the Championship. The bid is further strengthened by confirmed financial support from various government bodies and regional partners, providing confidence in the event’s financial sustainability and long-term delivery.
The Committee also recognised the strength of the Local Organising Committee, supported by an experienced professional event management organisation with a proven track record in delivering major international sporting events and strong partnerships with local and regional authorities.
Beyond its operational strengths, the Arnhem bid presented a compelling vision built around the theme “Building Bridges.” Inspired by the city’s historic bridge—once symbol of conflict and today a symbol of resilience and unity—the Championship will use sport as a catalyst to build bridges between people with and without disabilities, elite sport and grassroots participation, local communities and the international Powerchair Hockey family.
The event will also celebrate the unique heritage of the sport. As the recognised birthplace of Powerchair Hockey, the Netherlands provides a fitting stage to honour the game’s origins while showcasing its remarkable evolution over the past five decades. Through extensive community engagement, educational programmes and legacy initiatives, Arnhem aims to deliver a championship whose impact will extend far beyond the final whistle.
IPCH Chairperson Danni Mogensen:
“On behalf of the IPCH Sport Executive Committee, I would like to congratulate the Arnhem bid team on being appointed host of the 2028 European Powerchair Hockey Championship.” commented Danni Mogensen, IPCH Chairperson. “Their proposal combined operational excellence with an inspiring vision that truly reflects the values of our sport. Nearly fifty years after the sport began in the Netherlands, Arnhem provides the perfect stage to celebrate our history while inspiring the next generation and shaping the future of our sport.”
Nico Teunissen, Chairman of the Orange & Wheels Foundation:
“On behalf of the Dutch Floorball Foundation and the Orange & Wheels Foundation, I would like to express my gratitude to IPCH. I am proud that they have wholeheartedly chosen Arnhem as the host city for the 2028 European Powerchair Hockey Championship.” commented Nico Teunissen, Chairman of the Orange & Wheels Foundation. “Together with the elite athletes, officials, volunteers, and our implementing and local partner, Sportbedrijf Arnhem, I am convinced that we will create a fantastic event. The legacy of this championship will be felt for a long time to come!”
The Sport Executive Committee extends its sincere appreciation to both bidding committees for the openness, professionalism and cooperation shown throughout the evaluation process. “This was one of the strongest bidding processes IPCH has ever undertaken, and both Arnhem and Pilsen submitted exceptional proposals.” explained Danni Mogensen, IPCH Chairperson. “I would like to sincerely thank the Czech Federation and everyone involved in the Pilsen bid for their professionalism, passion, and commitment. Their contribution to the development of Powerchair Hockey has been outstanding, and we look forward to continuing our close collaboration in the years ahead.”
The IPCH community now looks forward to welcoming Europe’s finest athletes to Arnhem from 12th to 19th June 2028 for a European Championship that will honour the history of Powerchair Hockey, celebrate its present, and help shape its future.
