Thousands will attend the World Championships for free after the partnership was signed ©Budapest 2023

Thousands of people will be able to attend the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest for free after organisers announced a "goodwill partnership" aimed at promoting social inclusion.

The deal between Budapest 2023 and the Civil Roads Foundation will benefit people such as children in foster care, people with disabilities, those with large families and others with challenging circumstances.

It will be facilitated through the Foundation's network of nearly 50 partner organisations and fits in with the social responsibility goals of World Championship organisers.

They hope that the event in the Hungarian capital will be made accessible to all, especially people facing difficult challenges.

Luca Ekler, Hungary's Paralympic champion long jumper, has been named as goodwill ambassador for the initiative.

Children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic are due to be among those to attend the World Championships.

"Our sustainability programme encompasses not only environmental initiatives such as tree planting, forest restoration and bottle collection, but also the endeavour to make the World Championships accessible to all, including those who may face obstacles in attending," said Budapest 2023 chief executive Balázs Németh.

The deal will benefit people such as children in foster care and those with disabilities ©Budapest 2023
The deal will benefit people such as children in foster care and those with disabilities ©Budapest 2023

"Through the collaboration with the Civil Roads Foundation, we are proud to offer thousands of individuals the opportunity to witness the wonder of the World Championships in August."

Budapest 2023 is due to run between August 19 and 27 at the new National Athletics Centre.

Twenty-four-year old Ekler won gold in the women's long jump T38 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and also boasts world and European titles.

"As an athlete, I have always championed the importance of acceptance and equal opportunities," said Ekler, who suffered a brain haemorrhage aged 10 and is paralysed on the left side of her body.

"I am immensely proud to serve as an ambassador for the World Athletics Championships. 

"The World Championships in Budapest will truly be the race of wonders, nine days filled with unforgettable experiences that should be witnessed by all. 

"I am delighted that through the goodwill programme, thousands of people facing difficult circumstances will have the opportunity to experience this in person."