Goalball teams looking to qualify for Tokyo 2020 have a chance at the qualifier event in Fort Wayne ©Getty Images

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) has opened applications for goalball teams wishing to compete at the 2019 IBSA Goalball and Judo Paralympic Qualifying Competition.

The event will be held in the United States in Fort Wayne, Indiana from June 30 to July 10 next year.

IBSA President Jannie Hammershoi has praised the venue.

"IBSA would like to thank everyone who has been a part of bringing this event to the USA," she said.

"I think it is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Paralympic goalball and judo in the build-up to Tokyo 2020, but also looking further ahead to Los Angeles 2028.

"I encourage everyone who enjoys competitive sport to put the dates in their diaries to go along and support these great athletes."

Sixteen teams will be selected by the IBSA Goalball Committee for both the men's and women's competitions.

Selections will depend on teams' performances at the 2018 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Malmö, Sweden and their rankings.

The qualifier event will be used to fill any slots for Tokyo 2020 not taken by the hosts or any other teams that may not have qualified through the Worlds or regional Championships set to be held in 2019. 

These include Africa, Asia/Pacific, European and the Parapan American Games in Lima.

US Paralympics vice president Julie Dussliere said the event was a great opportunity for athletes looking "to secure their spots to compete at the Toyko 2020 Paralympic Games".