12 Facts About World Games

World Games are an international multi-sport event comprising sports and sporting disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games.

The World Games are governed by the International World Games Association, under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.

Several sports or disciplines that were on the programme of The World Games have been discontinued because they are now included in the programme of the Olympic Games.

The World Games Council was renamed the International World Games Association, or IWGA in 1985.

The first medals of the World Games were awarded in the 640 kilo class of tug-of-war, with the gold going to the team from England.

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In 2001, the World Games were held in Akita, Japan – the first time it had been held outside of North America or Europe.

In 2015, it was announced that the 11th edition of The World Games was to be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA in 2021, beating bids from Lima, Peru and Ufa, Russia.

On 2 April 2020, the World Games were postponed to 2022 so as not to clash with the postponement of the 2020 Olympic World Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In order for hosting to be sustainable, organisers of The World Games are not required to build any new venues or facilities.

Also, for the 2009 World Games, Kaohsiung built a National Stadium – the first stadium in the world to use solar energy technology for its power.

International World Games Association is the international association responsible for the direction and control of The World Games.

Sports which have been contested at all editions of The World Games are bowling, finswimming, trampoline and tumbling disciplines of gymnastics, karate, powerlifting, roller sports, tug of war and water skiing.