OVER 600 athletes are set to descend on Limerick next summer with the announcement that the University of Limerick has been chosen to host the 2025 European Dodgeball Championships.
From June 26 to 29 next year, over 600 athletes from 21 countries will visit Limerick to take part in the championships, with an expected tourism boost of up to €500,000 to the Mid West region.
The 2025 European Dodgeball Championships are a milestone for the sport, as it will be the first games to feature both cloth and foam ball formats.
As the athletes and their entourages flock to Limerick for the four-day championship, they will fill up to 2,000 bed nights for local hospitality businesses across the Mid West.
Councillor Dan McSweeney, Príomh-Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, said that Limerick being chosen to host the European Dodgeball Championships underscores the county’s dedication to sporting excellence.
“Limerick being selected as the host for the biggest event in the history of European Dodgeball Championships is a testament to our city’s vibrant sporting culture and our commitment to fostering athletic excellence,” Cllr McSweeney said.
“We look forward to welcoming the 600 players alongside all of the spectators to Limerick in June. We are excited to witness the skills and sportsmanship on display.”
Tamas Heitzmann of the Irish Dodgeball Association said that Limerick won the bid because of its outstanding sporting facilities.
“University of Limerick is an ideal venue for an international sports tournament, boasting world-class facilities, a vibrant campus, and a strong tradition of hosting major sporting events.
“Irish dodgeball has long aspired to bring an international tournament to Ireland, and that dream is becoming a reality. We are thrilled to welcome our dodgeball friends from across Europe and show them what Irish dodgeball with UL can achieve,” Mr Heitzmann said.
Welcoming the financial benefits of the upcoming tournament, Karen Ronan of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau said that “sports tourism brings an economic boost to the region. In partnership with Fáilte Ireland, we’re delighted to support UL with this bid to attract another European championship to the Shannon area.”
Athletes from Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, the UK, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark, among others, will take part in the championships in Limerick.
David Ward, of the University of Limerick, added that the institution is “delighted to host another prestigious international championship. This is testament to our world-class facilities and Limerick’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events.”
