Quaffles, bludgers, and snitches will soon be flying through the air in Henrico County. The International Quidditch Association will host the inaugural Pan-American Games at Glover Park in Henrico County in July 2019.

The IQA serves as the international governing body for quidditch, and supports quidditch development and competition worldwide. The July tournament in the Richmond area will include several teams from North, Central or South America and the Caribbean.

Quidditch is an exciting, fast-paced, full-contact sport. A quidditch team consists of up to 21 athletes with seven players per team on the field at any one time. Each player must keep a broom between their legs at all times. The “four maximum” rule of quidditch states that there may be no more than four players of the same gender on pitch at one time, ensuring the sport is inclusive to all genders and that gender diversity is always maintained on the field of play.

The IQA is hosting the 2019 Pan-American Games in partnership with US Quidditch and Richmond Region Tourism. Moving forward, the Pan-American Games will take place every other year.

“We’re very excited to work with the top notch team in Richmond and leverage our close relationship with US Quidditch to bring a premier quidditch event to North America,” said Andy Marmer, IQA Interim Executive Director. “The group we met in Richmond impressed us with the caliber of sporting events they have hosted; and their passion and enthusiasm for bringing quidditch to Richmond. We have long admired USQ and everything it has done to grow the sport.”

This isn’t Glover Park’s first quidditch tournament. The Henrico County park hosted US Quidditch’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship in 2014.

“It’s outstanding that Glover Park is now attracting sporting events at the elite international level, and we are looking forward to hosting fans and athletes from all over the world for this event,” said John A. Vithoulkas, Henrico County Manager. “Quidditch now has more than 8,000 international players. We can’t wait to see this sport come alive at Glover Park.”

Organizers are expecting approximately 100 athletes, plus many more volunteers and fans. A specific date will be announced soon.

“Sports tourism continues to make a significant impact on the region’s economy,” said Jack Berry, Richmond Region Tourism President & CEO. “We’re excited to welcome fans and the world’s best quidditch athletes to the Richmond area next year.”

For more information and event updates, visit the IQA’s Facebook page.