Wheelchair basketball joined the European Para Youth Games in 2019 becoming the latest team sport to feature.

It is played by an estimated 100,000 athletes worldwide, reflecting the sport’s global growth and popularity. In Europe it has gained huge traction with countries such as Israel, The Netherlands, Germany, France and Great Britain enjoying the most success at the Paralympics.

The Dutch women are the reigning Paralympic champions whilst Great Britain and Germany won silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s at Paris 2024.

France are the defending European Para Youth Games champions having won gold in Pajulahti, Finland, in 2022. Italy took silver and Ireland bronze.

Governed by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), IWBF Europe is strong presence within the region that works to organise regional Championships and other activities.