Exhibition Centre Liverpool will stage the Championships ©UK Boccia/Ant Clausen

Liverpool has been announced as the host of the 2018 World Boccia Championships.

The Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) revealed the Championships will take place at Exhibition Centre Liverpool from August 9 to 19 next year.

BISFed President David Hadfield claimed the event, hosted by Boccia UK, will attract more countries and athletes than ever before.

“I am very pleased that the BISFed 2018 World Championships will be hosted by Boccia UK in the wonderful city of Liverpool,” he said.

“Boccia is the fastest-growing Paralympic sport and we expect the competition to attract more countries and more athletes than ever to an international boccia event.

“I am looking forward to seeing an extraordinary demonstration of para sport in a very exciting and innovative setting.”

BISFed have expressed their hope the event will build on the success of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where they state action was watched by sold out crowds.

It is anticipated that 192 athletes will compete at the World Championships, the biggest and most prestigious event on the sport’s calendar outside the Paralympic Games.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the BISFed World Championships in Liverpool next year,” said John Dowson, chair of UK Boccia.

“This is the largest boccia event on the international calendar in terms of athlete numbers and gives an excellent opportunity for innovation in showcasing the sport at a stunning location.

“We are extremely grateful to UK Sport and the National Lottery for their financial contribution through their major events programme and to the City of Liverpool who will provide an unrivalled experience for both athletes and spectators.”

BISFed are hoping to build on the success of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympics ©Getty Images
BISFed are hoping to build on the success of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympics ©Getty Images

Organisers have claimed the the Exhibition Centre Liverpool will provide an unrivalled athletes experience.

The venue is situated in Liverpool city centre, with Boccia UK hoping its location will help to attract thousands of spectators to the Championships.

The award comes as Liverpool seek to win the right to stage the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, claiming it shows their desire to attract major sporting events to the city.

“This is fantastic news and a demonstration of Liverpool’s ability to secure and deliver major sporting events," Mayor Anderson said.

“Whether it’s athletics, netball, triathlons, gymnastics, boxing, running and now Boccia, Liverpool has proved itself time and again as the perfect host to showcase a wide range of sports.

“We take it extremely seriously and have world class venues matched with passionate fans, providing a unique welcome.

“Sport is in our DNA and we will work hard to bring an enthusiastic audience that will be fair, welcoming and supportive of all athletes and participating nations and showcase boccia to the world.”