By Emily Goddard

Sir Philip Craven has opened the University of Worcester Arena ©University of WorcesterJanuary 29 - Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), has officially opened Britain's Rio 2016 training base in Worcester.

The University of Worcester Arena, which is the nation's first indoor sporting venue specifically designed to meet the needs of both wheelchair and able bodied athletes, will welcome the country's squad as they prepare for the Paralympics in Brazil, and will act as a base for the British wheelchair basketball team and the local Worcester Wolves basketball club.

The 2,000-capacity £15 million ($25 million/€18 million) venue staged its first event last May and will host the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships next summer.

It also held the third edition of the ParalympicsGB Sports Fest, which was attended by London 2012 medallists Josie Pearson and Dan Greaves, last November.

The University of Worcester Arena has also been selected to host the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships ©University of WorcesterThe University of Worcester Arena has also been selected to host the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships ©University of Worcester


Sir Phillip said the centre was a "great initiative".

"I'm blown away by the University Arena," he added.

"It goes to show what can happen when you have the right people with the right attitudes - they've created a wonderful place.

"This facility has clearly come from a passion for sport - a passion for everybody being involved in sport."

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