A detailed Sports Programme for the official sports, including disciplines and eventshas been published exactly two years ahead of the opening ceremony of The World Games 2022.
The official Sports Programme includes 30 sports, 54 disciplines and 207 medal events. Most of the sports were on the programme of the previous edition of The World Games in 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland, but Softball and Racquetball are returning to the Games after a longer break. Completely new disciplines in The World Games official programme are Drone Racing (Air Sports), Canoe Marathon (Canoe), Breaking (DanceSport), Women’s Fistball, Parkour (Gymnastics) and Men’s Lacrosse.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in The World Games.
The World Games, first held in 1981, are an international multi-sport event, meant for sports or disciplines that are not in the Olympic Games. The World Games are organised and governed by the International World Games Association (IWGA) and recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The World Games are held every four years, one year after the Summer Olympic Games. The next host city will be Birmingham (Alabama), USA in July 2022 (new dates).
22 June 2022 (AFTNN/PRNewsGIG) – The world needs sports right now, but there aren’t many places to get them. With major sports leagues shutdown throughout the world, fans across the globe are looking anywhere they can to get their fix of competition.
Sports fans desperate for some action need look no further than The World Games 2022.
Throughout the summer of 2020, The World Games 2022 will be hosting weekly virtual watch parties on the official Facebook page of The World Games Birmingham as a part of #WayBackTheWorldGames. Each Wednesday, the page will air replays of gold medal competitions from the 2017 edition of The Games.
Recent championship finals aired on the page include male and female Ju-Jitsu and Women’s Super Heavyweight Powerlifting, featuring USA gold medalist, Bonica Brown.
On championship day, Brown performed a 684-pound squat, which at the time was a USA powerlifting record that had been in place for more than a decade.
“It’s a moment I was waiting for for a couple of years to do,” Brown said. “I was finally able to execute it on the biggest platform possible.”
Brown has continued her success in the powerlifting world since The Games in 2017, breaking four more world records at the International Powerlifting Federation World Classic Powerlifting Championships the following year.
Upcoming events will include Beach Handball, Lacrosse and Sport Climbing.
The gold medal matches in men’s beach handball featured Brazil facing off against Croatia, while the women’s competition featured a match between Brazil and Argentina.
In the gold medal women’s lacrosse match, the United States took on Canada.
The final sport climbing heat on the women’s side included competitors from Belgium, Slovenia, the United States, Japan, Austria, Korea and France. On the men’s side, the final heat included competitors from Japan, Canada, France, Slovenia, Italy, Poland and Australia.
Part of the mission of The World Games is to help educate sports fans across the world about sports that don’t necessarily see the spotlight year-round. So, what better time than now to learn about some new sports while also getting your fill of fierce competition at the highest level?
Follow @TWG2022 on all social platforms and stay tuned on Facebook.com/TWG2022 on Wednesdays for #WayBackTheWorldGames.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in The World Games.
It is apparent that Markus Haggeny has a heart full of love for air sports. He is passionate about it and its participants’ safety especially during this time of the COVID-19 crisis. But don’t take our word for it, read on below to find out more about this magnanimous man.
Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019, The Philippines. Photo: writer’s own.
Markus Haggeny was named as the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Secretary General on 15 April 2020. He was appointed as the Acting Secretary General in December 2019. He is not new to the Federation though – he was the Sports & Event Director, a role he held from 2014.
If you are wondering what he does exactly at the FAI, here are some words of introduction by Markus Haggeny himself –
“As the newly appointed Secretary General of the FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, I’m responsible for the smooth running of the FAI Office, which is charged with the day-to-day operations of the Federation. Together, the FAI staff, officials and volunteers strive to fulfill FAI’s mission to promote air sports and recreational flying around the world. This includes the ratification of world and continental records, and the sanctioning of competitions.”
Air sports from an early age
Markus brings with him an “extensive international corporate experience, which gives me the valuable insight into the business world that is so vital for International Federations today.” This is on top of his years of experience as a pilot and air sports official.
If you caught the word “pilot” in the previous paragraph, you will be forgiven if you thought that Markus Haggeny was an airplane pilot. His first foray into air sports was on a hot air balloon.
Paragliding at Jugra Hill, Malaysia. Photo: writer’s own
“‘Vocation’ is the first word that springs to mind. I developed a lifelong interest in all things flying when I was a kid, thanks to my family’s involvement in hot air balloons – my father had been flying for many years when I first set foot in a basket. That’s why I can say that training to become a Ballooning pilot came very naturally for me.
One thing led to another, and I began competing. Not long after, I was keen to take an even more active role in the ballooning community, and I organised numerous events, and represented Germany in ballooning for many years: In 2014 I joined the sports department of the FAI Office and now, at 60, my enthusiasm for flying remains unchanged, so much so that I have recently started Paragliding, which I thoroughly enjoy. Air sports are for anyone, at any age!” he happily enthused.
FAI and COVID-19
Now with the appearance of the coronavirus and the world adapting to a new normal he says the FAI is changing the way they approach things.
“Stabilisation and consolidation are the key words at the moment. Given this unprecedented Coronavirus situation, it is more important than ever that we, the elected representatives, staff and officials, fly through the turbulence as a united front. Similarly, I think that now, more than ever, is the time to nurture the bonds within the air sports community, to strengthen the relationships with all the officials and members, and to support those that need assistance. These are the priorities right now,” he says.
When asked about how COVID-19 has changed the landscape of air sports worldwide, he says, “Unfortunately, 2020 is a peculiar year for everyone, including all those involved in sports. For example, at this time of the year, our events calendar is usually packed with hundreds of championships and regional events involving thousands of pilots and skydivers around the world. Sadly, many of these competitions had to be postponed or cancelled because of the pandemic: the paramount concern of FAI and our event organisers is public health and safety.”
Making a joint effort
He also says that “Uncertainty is our main challenge here. Nobody knows how the situation will evolve, how fast the situation will improve, or even when the pilots will be able to train properly again. We have to stay flexible and to adapt to whatever challenge is thrown at us, like the rest of the world. I am sure that our global air sports community will adapt to the many challenges that society is faced with.”
His remark was in response to what kind of changes on future air sports events will be organised. But all is not lost though as there are already plans in place.
“In this difficult context, I am pleased to say that FAI and the air sports community is making an extraordinary joint effort to overcome this crisis. We are developing new tools to work together remotely more efficiently, and we are supporting the event organisers as best we can, so they can find solutions to hold their events at a later date,” he says.
The Olympics
When asked about the inclusion of air sports in the Olympic Games, he is frank with his answer.
“This is not our prime focus, given the current state of affairs. However, FAI is a proud member of the Olympic Family and we share the values of the Olympic Movement, even when not participating in the Games,” he says.
“The Olympic Games is a wonderful event that we would be honoured to be part of. At this moment in time, we are proud of our status of IOC-recognised Federation,” he added.
This pride goes back full circle with his involvement with FAI, as it gives him the opportunity to not only practice but to promote air sports at the same time. He says, “This makes me happy to get up every day.”
To all of the air sports athletes out there itching to fly again, he has these words of advice:
“Please stay home, practice social distancing and stay healthy. In aviation we say: ‘Take off is optional, landing is mandatory’. The message being – make wise decisions, be aware of your responsibility to and for others and look ahead to the future. We will fly in safe conditions again together soon.”
This Saturday, the Rugby World Cup 1995 final that inspired millions of people around the world will unfold once again as another round of classic matches are brought to fans on World Rugby’s digital platforms.
The game played between the hosts South Africa and New Zealand was a fantastic display of rugby’s character-building values of solidarity and passion. In a post-apartheid South Africa, President Nelson Mandela presented the Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar wearing the same number six Springbok jersey, an iconic image that symbolised the new-found unity in the country and captured the imagination of the world.
The historic home Rugby World Cup win for the current world champions will be streamed live on the official Rugby World Cup Facebook page and World Rugby’s YouTube channel, complete with live blogging and commentary from those who were there that momentous day.
A long-lasting impact
The presence of Jonah Lomu in the All Blacks team, arguably rugby’s first global superstar, a build-up mired in controversy, and the triumphant return of South Africa to the sporting arena as a country reborn, led by the inspirational Nelson Mandela … it is no wonder the final of Rugby World Cup 1995 transcends the sport and was the subject of the Hollywood blockbuster movie, Invictus.
“Playing at home definitely was an advantage. The crowd support was unreal and gave us that extra edge needed for a close match like that.” recalled winning captain and Hall of Fame inductee Francois Pienaar, whose jersey worn on that historic day is on show at World Rugby Hall of Fame in Rugby, UK.
A quarter of a century later, the game continues to resonate as a call for unity and the recent coronation of Siya Kolisi’s Springboks at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan echoes the 1995 final. In Mandela’s country, interest in rugby has significantly increased in 2019 with 68 per cent of the population being interested or very interested in the sport, the highest level in the world. [1]
Rugby is capturing the new generation’s imagination in South Africa, with 30 per cent of rugby followers interested in the sport for less than two years, and instigating positive values with 90% of respondents declaring that the “Rugby World Cup was played in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play”. [1]
Inspiration on and off the field
President Mandela recognised sport’s unique ability to inspire when he famously said “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
Now Siya Kolisi’s incredible journey all the way to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in Tokyo has once again inspired the masses back in his home country. He is currently heading a new initiative to aid South Africa’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic, delivering vital supplies of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks and hand sanitiser to hospitals in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, where the 28-year-old current Springbok captain grew up.
Kolisi highlighted his desire to give back to his home country after the support he and his team received during Rugby World Cup 2019: “We were out there and could feel the support of the people behind us,” he said. “That’s why I think we fight and support as much as we can, because that’s what was given to us – that support. And we try to give it back now to the people that needed the most.”
The full list of Rugby World Cup matches being shown by World Rugby this weekend includes:
Friday, 24 April – RWC 2014 – England v Canada, 19:00 BST
Saturday, 25 April – RWC 1995 – South Africa v New Zealand, 19:00 BST
Sunday, 26 April – RWC 2015 – Scotland v Samoa, 16:00 BST
[1] Global rugby fan trends and insights (Nielsen) – the study took place in 17 markets between 5-26 November, 2019 with 500 nationally representative respondents per market.
The World Games 2021 Birmingham is getting a new name to go with its new date. With the announcement of The Games shift to July 7-17, 2022, the IWGA and the local organizers have decided that the international multi-sport event will officially become The World Games 2022 Birmingham.
“After careful consideration, we are excited to move forward as The World Games 2022,” said Nick Sellers, CEO of the Birmingham Organizing Committee. “Ultimately, we wanted to ensure consistency and brand recognition for our event. But more than that, our hope is that The World Games 2022 will stand for something more than a date on the calendar; that it will become a time of reconnection for our community and the world.”
The decision to adapt the name, which was made collaboratively between the Birmingham Organizing Committee and International World Games Association comes after the International Olympic Committee postponed the Summer Olympics until 2021, but agreed to retain the name “Tokyo 2020.”
“The excellent relationship between the BOC, the City of Birmingham and the IWGA ensured the quick move of the 11th edition of The World Games to 2022. The flexible organisational structure of the event and our teams makes it easier to manage such a challenge in such a short time: we trust each other and know that we can lean on each other. These are the reasons that we could go back so quickly to our participating federations and partners, confirming for them the new dates for the Games, and also for accommodation, venues and services,” said IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow. “We look forward to organising The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, USA from 7th to 17th July in 2022,” he added.
The World Games 2022 Birmingham today also unveiled its new website, as well as its new logo, which have been updated to reflect the rebrand. The redesigned website, TWG2022.com, features an enhanced navigation and user experience.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7 – 17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
World Rugby notes the Fiji Rugby Union’s decision to stand down Fiji Rugby Union Chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean from the World Rugby Council, and therefore withdrawing his candidature for the World Rugby Executive Committee, following new allegations published in the UK Sunday Times.
World Rugby takes all allegations of behaviour that is not in keeping with the sport’s strong and inclusive values and Bye-Laws extremely seriously.
While it is important to stress that any allegations must be validated, following dialogue with World Rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union recognises the seriousness of the allegations made and the need for them to be fully investigated, and that it is in the best interests of the sport that Mr Kean steps down from the Council and his Executive Committee candidature be withdrawn.
The Fiji Rugby Union have confirmed that their seat on the World Rugby Council will be filled by union CEO John O’Connor.
There are now seven nominations for seven seats on the World Rugby Executive Committee, which will be confirmed at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the World Rugby Council, held by teleconference on 12 May.
All stakeholders unified in tackling the unprecedented COVID-19 challenge
Productive dialogue progresses on return to rugby options for the global game
All potential activities dependent on the global COVID-19 situation
Approximately US$100 million World Rugby relief fund available for unions
Collaborative process delivers blueprint for potential long-term calendar overhaul
World Rugby has announced details of a dedicated COVID-19 relief strategy aimed at supporting the global game and mitigating the overall impact of the pandemic on the sport.
Underpinned by a relief fund of approximately US$100 million to assist unions through to the resumption of the sport, the strategy reflects World Rugby’s commitment to leading the sport through its greatest challenge and is a result of cross-game collaboration that has enabled key decisions to be taken in the spirit of solidarity and partnership.
The relief fund will be available for unions requiring immediate emergency funding subject to appropriate criteria being met. It is designed to assist the maximum number of unions for the maximum amount of time while there is a rugby void.
For 6 Nations and SANZAAR unions, the financial package will potentially involve a combination of advances and loans, while World Rugby is also committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations where required.
2020 international calendar progress
In tandem with an extensive financial assessment, World Rugby, in full partnership with 6 Nations, SANZAAR, unions (in consultation with their leagues) and International Rugby Players, continues to progress a variety of return-to-rugby plans, including the delivery of a viable 2020 international competition calendar subject to the relevant government and health authority advice.
This includes likely short-term reshaping of the international rugby calendar, optimising competition opportunities for unions and domestic leagues. As a prudent precaution, further scenario planning factors in a competition environment where cross-hemisphere travel might not be possible and, in the worst-case scenario, where no international rugby is possible this year.
While initially a response to an unprecedented crisis, the modelling work achieved potentially provides direction for long-term reform of the rugby calendar.
Central to the contingency planning is player welfare and all potential scenarios have involved International Rugby Players input and recognise the need for adequate player preparation and rest.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Global sport is facing a crisis never seen before and at this most challenging time we are taking unprecedented action as a sport united to support global rugby, its unions, competitions and players through the enormous challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The measures announced today will provide support and short-term relief in the form of a US$100 million relief fund, while we are committed to exploring calendar options that reflect and address a dynamic, complex and uncertain environment.
“I have chaired many productive meetings in recent weeks with my union, region, competition and player colleagues and we are rapidly moving towards a viable calendar solution and, while compromises are being made, the outcome will be in the best interests of the whole game.
“This is a process with solidarity, unity and leadership at heart – one that sets a potential blueprint for successful collaboration in the future and I would like to thank everyone for their openness, cooperation and global view.”
World Rugby has confirmed the nominations for the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman, which will be determined at the annual meeting of Council on 12 May, 2020.
In accordance with the World Rugby Bye-Laws, member unions were invited to submit nominations for the position of World Rugby Chairman and/or Vice-Chairman by the closing date of 12 April, 2020. All nominations had to be proposed and seconded by a member union and/or Regional Association.
Beaumont and Pichot nominated for Chairman Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont is standing for a second term and has been nominated and proposed by the Fédération Française de Rugby and seconded by the Fiji Rugby Union.
Vice-Chairman Agustín Pichot (Union Argentina de Rugby) was nominated and proposed by Unión Argentina de Rugby and seconded by Rugby Australia and Sudamérica Rugby. Bernard Laporte nominated for Vice-Chairman Fédération Française de Rugby President Bernard Laporte has been nominated and proposed by the Rugby Football Union and seconded by Federația Română de Rugby .
Where contested, Chairman and Vice-Chairman candidates must achieve a simple majority of the votes held by the members of Council present, in line with the electoral process set out under the bye-law. The vote numbers will be published.
Executive Committee nominations Eight nominations have been received for the seven available positions on the World Rugby Executive Committee
Mark Alexander (South African Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by Rugby Africa and the South African Rugby Union and seconded by New Zealand Rugby and the South African Rugby Union.
Khaled Babbou (Rugby Africa), nominated and proposed by Rugby Africa and seconded by the South African Rugby Union and the Fédération Française de Rugby.
Bart Campbell (New Zealand Rugby), nominated and proposed by New Zealand Rugby and seconded by the South African Rugby Union.
Gareth Davies (Welsh Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by the Scottish Rugby Union and seconded by the Welsh Rugby Union.
John Jeffrey (Scottish Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by the Welsh Rugby Union and seconded by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean (Fiji Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by the Fiji Rugby Union and seconded by the Fédération Française de Rugby.
Bob Latham (USA Rugby), nominated and proposed by USA Rugby and seconded by Rugby Americas North.
Brett Robinson (Rugby Australia), proposed and nominated by Rugby Australia and seconded by the Unión Argentina de Rugby.
To be elected, Executive Committee nominees need to be one of the seven candidates who win the highest number of votes.
With the current COVID-19 pandemic making it impossible for meetings to go ahead as scheduled, World Rugby has confirmed that the schedule of May Council and committee meetings will be held remotely. For the Council meeting, PwC has been appointed as independent auditors for the election.
The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Executive Committee will be elected for a period of four years commencing immediately after the results are announced by the auditor to Council on 12 May.
4 April 2020 (AFTNN/PRNEWS/GIG) – The International World Games Association (IWGA) and Birmingham Organising Committee (BOC) have agreed to postpone the 11th edition of The World Games until 7th to 17th July 2022. The Games had originally been planned to take place from 15–25 July next year.
The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to move the Tokyo Olympic Games to July 2021 made a significant impact on the planning of The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama. Keeping to the original dates in July 2021 would have meant excluding many athletes and officials involved in the Olympics, and would have led to a potential reduction in public and media interest. When the IOC announced its decision, the BOC urgently set about assessing what alternative dates might be viable, particularly as regards venues and accommodation. Meanwhile, the staff of the IWGA were establishing when the vital services provided by key partners, such as Swiss Timing and International Sports Broadcasting, could still be made available.
It soon became clear that only one 10-day period existed in which venues, accommodation and key partner support could be guaranteed: 7–17 July 2022. The IWGA Member Federations with sports on the programme gave their full support to delaying The World Games, and the joint decision of the IWGA and BOC Boards to adopt these new dates was unanimously approved by the federations in a video conference.
“A great deal of detailed work is now required to implement this decision, and further progress reports will be issued in due course,” says IWGA President José Perurena. “But I am impressed by the flexibility and efficiency of the Birmingham Organising Committee: they have been able, in just two days after the IOC’s announcement, to get all the main organisational items in place.”
IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow says: “I am very proud of the capable organising team in Birmingham. All organisational main pillars such as venues and accommodation are in place for 2022, and we are able to have exactly the same sports programme as we had planned for 2021. We look forward to working together with the chairman Jonathan Porter, his CEO Nick Sellers and their team to organise the best possible Games for our athletes.”
“The date of the event has changed, but Birmingham’s commitment to a world-class event has not wavered,” Mayor of Birmingham, Randall L. Woodfin said. “I want to thank the IWGA and The World Games 2021 Birmingham for their work in making a timely decision. As the City of Birmingham addresses the current pandemic, be assured that we remain focused on the city’s future and making this the best edition of The World Games ever.”
“I want to thank our entire team and partners across the State of Alabama and internationally for their work and support to set our new dates,” said Nick Sellers, CEO of the Birmingham Organizing Committee. “While it wasn’t an easy decision, it was the right one for our athletes, fans, sponsors and community. We share many key partners of the International Olympic Committee, and this move will ensure that we maintain national and international television coverage as well as keeping several sport competitions that participate in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The World Games Birmingham will be a special time of reconnection as it will be the first major international multi sport event on American soil following this global pandemic, and we are fully confident that we will rise to the occasion. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our healthcare workers and those impacted by COVID-19 at this time. We will prevail. And we will reconnect.”
“We are supremely confident in this shift, and believe that the circumstances will further increase the significance of The World Games across our state, region, and country,” added Jonathan Porter, Chairman of The Birmingham Organizing Committee Board of Directors. “We are just as excited now as we were when we were scheduled for 2021, and we hope the Birmingham community and the world will share that enthusiasm with us. The World Games Birmingham is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. A new date on the calendar isn’t going to change that.”
“The whole world is hurting now and we must all pause and refocus our efforts in order to rid the world of COVID-19. We stand with each of you and very much look forward to The World Games in 2022.” -The Jefferson County Commissioners – Joe Knight, Jimmie Stephens, Lashonda Scales, Sheila Tyson and Steve Ammons.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
