BRISBANE, Australia, June 13, 2025 – The 2025 Heyball Parasport World Championship has begun at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba) with an opening ceremony that included the event’s theme song, “Nothing is Gonna Hold You Back.” Jointly organized by JOY & Liber Win, the championship features 64 athletes with disabilities from 17 countries and regions, demonstrating their dedication to inclusive sports on the Heyball table.
As the first international Heyball championship for athletes with disabilities in the sport’s 40-year history, this event includes Women’s (combined wheelchair/standing), Men’s Wheelchair, and Men’s Standing divisions and offers a $60,000 prize pool. It marks a key moment in Heyball’s evolution and gives a boost to parasports worldwide.
World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) President Ishaun Singh, Secretary General Barry Jenner, Parasport Director Henrik Larsson, Sports Director Jorgen Sandman, and JOY founder Qiao Yuanxu were present at the opening. Mr. Singh hailed the championship as “a pioneering event showcasing sporting excellence and inclusivity,” building on the success of the 2024 Los Angeles launch.
This event directly responds to a need for Heyball’s inclusion in the Olympics. “Complete event representation across all groups is vital for Olympic inclusion,” Qiao Yuanxu stated. “This championship finalizes our event structure, bringing Heyball closer to the Olympics. Any sport considered for the Olympics should be accessible to everyone!”
The ceremony included athlete pledges by 2024 Women’s Champion Hydred Goldberg and referee Richard Allendorf, followed by the ceremonial first break by leaders. Beyond the competition itself, the event showcases the ability of sport to overcome limitations, proving that athletic achievement is not limited by physical constraints. Mr. Qiao stated: “Today demonstrates that all Heyball enthusiasts, regardless of their circumstances, contribute uniquely to our sport’s appeal and Olympic aspirations.”
The championship is positioned as a model for inclusive growth, embodying JOY’s vision of “JOY Billiards Uniting The World” and the principle “Heyball to Olympics – No One Left Behind.” Matches will be broadcast globally via Douyin (Tiktok), Facebook, and YouTube as athletes make parasports history.
Media Contact:
Contact: Tony Zhang
Tel: +86 133 1566 2419
Email: tonyzhang@joybilliard.com
Website: www.joybilliard.com
Facebook Page: JOY World Heyball Tour
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