World Games Explained

The World Games
Image Upright:1.1
Formation:1981 – Santa Clara, California, US
Recurrence:4 years
Last:2022 – Birmingham, Alabama, US
Next:2025 – Chengdu, China
Purpose:To conduct multi-sport events for sports and disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games

The World Games are an international multi-sport event comprising sports and sporting disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games. They are usually held every four years, one year after a Summer Olympic Games, over the course of 11 days. The World Games are governed by the International World Games Association, under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.

In the most recent editions, between 25 and 34 sports have been included in the official program. Several sports or disciplines that were on the program of The World Games have been discontinued because they are now included in the programme of the Olympic Games. Around 3500 participants from around 100 nations take part.

The World Games differs from other multi-sport events, such as the Olympic Games, in that host cities are not required to construct new venues or facilities for the Games. The competitors are selected by the sports' international federations, as opposed to by National Olympic Committees or national governing bodies. In most disciplines, qualification is by a top ranking at the world championships or a qualification tournament. This is intended to ensure the top athletes in a sport compete at the Games.

The event is officially known as "The World Games", spelled with a capital T.[1]

The first edition of The World Games was held in Santa Clara, California, United States, in 1981, and the eleventh edition was held in Birmingham, Alabama, United States from 7 to 17 July 2022. The current edition was originally intended to be held in 2021, but it was delayed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

History

Inauguration

The idea for a multi-sport event for non-Olympic sports came from the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Realising that there were few opportunities to become part of the Olympic program, non-Olympic federations wanted to form their own showcase event to increase the publicity of their sports, which they called The World Games. These federations formed a steering group in early 1979 to decide on the structure and principles of the games and search for a venue.

In May 1979, the steering group announced that they had found a venue for the first event: Santa Clara, USA.[2]

The GAISF steering committee became the World Games Executive Council in October 1979, and the inaugural meeting of the World Games Council was held on 19–22 May 1980, with a purpose of creating the concept of the Games.[3] The World Games Council was renamed the International World Games Association, or IWGA in 1985.[4]

The first edition of The World Games was held in Santa Clara, USA, in 1981. It was opened by Kim Un-yong, president of the World Games executive committee, at Buck Shaw Stadium.[5] At the opening ceremony, the athletes marched sorted by sport and not by nation.

The 15 sports at the inaugural games included badminton, casting, racquetball, and taekwondo. The first medals of the Games were awarded in the 640 kilo class of tug-of-war, with the gold going to the team from England.[6]

Twentieth century

After the inaugural Games, the West Nally Group, which had provided financing for the Games in Santa Clara, became owners of the rights to the event, and took the second edition to their headquarters in London.[7]

For the third Games in Karlsruhe, 1989, the West Nally Group still owned the commercial rights to the Games, but the host city was responsible for the staff and volunteers organising the event. After this, the IWGA bought back the commercial rights, and the organising committees of the host cities have been responsible for the organisation and financing since. This led to the organisers of The World Games in The Hague (1993) asking the participants to pay accommodation costs.[8]

The 1997 edition of the Games was due to be held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, but in August 1994, Port Elizabeth pulled out of hosting the Games due to the political situation in the country.[9] Lahti in Finland volunteered to host instead and signed the host contract in January 1995. Airsports, dancesport, aerobics and jujitsu made their debut in Lahti and have been contested at the Games ever since.[9]

Following the Games in Lahti, the IWGA and IOC agreed on a memorandum of understanding, which was signed in 2000[9] [10] Here, the IOC recognised the importance of The World Games and set out shared values, including the IOC providing patronage to Organising Committees, encouraging multi-sport national teams, and working together on anti-doping. It also set out that "disciplines/events of sport that are not on the Olympic Games program could be included on the program of the World Games".[11] A further memorandum of understanding was signed in 2016.[12]

Twenty-first century

In 2001, the Games were held in Akita, Japan – the first time it had been held outside of North America or Europe. Several competitions were delayed or moved to an alternative venue when a typhoon hit the city. For the first time, some National Olympic Committees organised hotel accommodation for their athletes, beyond the time they were hosted by the IWGA.[13]

The World Games in 2005, in Duisburg, Germany, were the first World Games where athletes paraded into the opening ceremony grouped by nation. Also several standards were set in place which continue to this day, such as the television production of all sports and sports grouped by category, such as ball sports and precision sports.[14]

The 2013 Games in Cali, Colombia were particularly noted for the large numbers of spectators, estimated at 500,000. For example, the Bullfight Ring, which was the venue for dancesport, was 'packed' for the salsa dance finals.[15] This edition of the Games saw the first time a competition was cancelled: due to concerns about temperature and air flow at the Del Pueblo Gymnasium, where the sport of rhythmic gymnastics was taking place, the ribbons event was cancelled.[16]

The 2017 Games in Wrocław, Poland were the first to be broadcast on the Olympic Channel, to 130 countries. Both the raffa and lyonnaise disciplines of boules were cancelled after a storm destroyed the venue and it could not be repaired in time.[17]

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.[18] On 2 April 2020, the Games were postponed to 2022 so as not to clash with the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic.[19] [20] [21]

No parasport federations are currently part of the IWGA, but The World Games in Birmingham was the first edition to include parasports, with the inclusion of wheelchair rugby. Birmingham was also to include disabled athletes (one per gender) in archery.[22] The IWGA is also aiming to secure a partnership with the International Paralympic Committee and include a quota for para-athletes.

In 2019, it was announced that The World Games in 2025 will take place in Chengdu, China.[23]

Features

Venues

In order for hosting to be sustainable, organisers of The World Games are not required to build any new venues or facilities.For example, Sloss Furnaces, a former pig iron-producing blast furnace now in public use, hosted the sport climbing, breakdancing, parkour and beach handball competitions in Birmingham 2022.[24] Athletes stayed at the student accommodations of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), several of whose sports facilities were used for various events.[22]

Past venues have included the Lahti City Theatre (bodybuilding), Landschaftspark Nord (a former iron foundry in Duisburg), Wrocław Zoo, and Wrocław's Philharmonic Hall, the National Forum of Music.[9] [14] [25]

Even though it is not required, some venues are constructed or renovated for The World Games. For instance, for the 2017 World Games in Wrocław, a new swimming pool and speed skating rink were built, and Olympic Stadium, built in 1928, was renovated and is still used for American football and speedway.[17] 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.[26] Other editions used new facilities that were built for purposes other than the World Games; the main stadium of the 2022 edition, Protective Stadium, was built for UAB's American football team.

Athlete selection

Athletes are selected to compete at The World Games by their sport's international federation, as opposed to their sport's national governing body or National Olympic Committee, as in other multi-sport events.[27] The selections are intended to "achieve a satisfactory balance between competitors' positions on world ranking lists and the fair representation of as many as possible of its member nations".

International federations are obliged to send their best athletes, with The World Games development agenda setting out that sports are only to be included if "the best athletes/teams in the world are present".

International World Games Association

See main article: International World Games Association.

The International World Games Association (IWGA) is the international association responsible for the direction and control of The World Games. Its headquarters are located in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its official language is English.[28]

Its membership consists of 39 international sporting federations.[29] It also works very closely with the Local Organising Committees (LOCs), temporary committees responsible for the organisation of each World Games. LOCs are dissolved after each Games. The IWGA is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

Ceremonies

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony marks the official start of The World Games. Until Duisburg 2005, athletes paraded into the ceremony grouped by sport. From 2005, they were grouped by nation, and now march in alphabetical order, with the host country and then the judges last.[14] [30]

The Athletes' Oath is taken by an athlete of the host nation, and the Judges' Oath is taken by the chairman of the Tournament Judges' Commission. Parading of flags, speeches and official opening also make up the required parts of the ceremony.[30] There is also often a musical and artistic aspect of the ceremony. For example, more than 400 artists took part in the opening ceremony of the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw.

Athlete party

Since 1993 at The Hague, an athlete party has been held in the middle of the competition.[31] It was intended to allow all athletes to participate in at least one ceremony (opening, athlete party, or closing) during the competition.[32]

Closing ceremony

The closing ceremony ends The World Games and follows the last awards ceremony.[30] Official aspects include speeches, a presentation by the next host city and a handing of the flag of the Games to the representatives of the next host city. In Wroclaw, the second part of the ceremony was a concert performed by local artists.[33]

Editions

Overview of The World Games Editions
YearEditionHostOpened byOfficial
Sports		Invitational
Sports		Medal
Events		NationsDateAthletesOfficialsTop nationTop medalist
19811, Santa ClaraKim Un-yong15 1[34] 104 5825 July – 2 August 1981nowrap1400 (est)[35] or 1546293nowrapnowrap
19852, LondonCharles Palmer20 1134 51align=left nowrap25 July – 4 August 19851410 333
19893, Karlsruhealign=left nowrapJuan Antonio Samaranch18 2103 5020 – 30 July 19891359 285
19934, The HagueKevan Gosper21 4160 6721 July – 1 August 19932026 418
19975, LahtiJuan Antonio Samaranch20 6164 707 – 11 August 19972016 430
20016, AkitaToyama Atsuko22 5170 8016 – 26 August 20012380 591
20057, DuisburgOtto Schily26 6178 9314 – 24 July 20053149 638
20098align=left nowrap, KaohsiungMa Ying-jeou25 5155 8416 – 26 July 20092908 636
20139, CaliAngelino Garzón26 4 or 5 194 9125 July – 4 August 20133103 682
201710, WrocławThomas Bach27 4219 10220 – 30 July 20173430 856
202211, BirminghamRandall Woodfin30 5[36] 223[37] [38] [39] [40] [41] 99[42] 7 – 17 July 20223457 868
202512, Chengdu35 0 7 – 17 August 2025
202913, Karlsruhe19 – 29 July 2029

Sports

Official sports

For The World Games in 2017 and before, official sports were selected solely by the IWGA. Only sports whose international federations were members of the IWGA could be selected.[43] From 2022, the official sports are selected by both the IWGA and host city and can include some sports whose federations are not part of the IWGA.[44]

As formalised in the memorandum of understanding, "only events that are not on the program of the Olympic Games can be included in the program of The World Games".[12] For example, canoe polo is a discipline at The World Games, while canoe sprint and canoe slalom are disciplines at the Olympic Games, despite all three being governed by the International Canoe Federation.

Sports that depend on the availability of snow and/or ice for competitions are ineligible for inclusion in The World Games.[43]

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. Bowling and water skiing are not on the program of the 2025 World Games.

Invitational sports

In addition to the official sports, the host city, in coordination with the IWGA, has been allowed to invite sports to participate in the individual program. These sports optionally are permitted to include international sports federations that were not members of the IWGA.[43] Before Birmingham 2022, these were deemed "invitational sports".

Starting in Birmingham 2022, there was no distinction between official and invitational sports. Host cities are still able to select up to five optional sports, but they are designated "official" sports, rather than invitational. In addition, the host city will be able to designate "display sports".[44] José Perurena, IWGA President, stated, "In Birmingham, for the first time, invitational sports were no longer presented separately but were also part of the official programme." For example, the Birmingham Organising Committee selected men's lacrosse (women's being selected by the IWGA), duathlon, flag football and wushu. For the first time ever, a paralympic sport was part of the program as a wheelchair rugby tournament was held.[45]

Some sports or disciplines started in The World Games as invitational sports and then became official, often as their international federations became part of the IWGA. These include the lyonnaise discipline of boules sports, beach handball, sumo, and indoor tug of war.

Olympic sports

Sports or disciplines which have been part of The World Games and the Olympics include badminton, baseball and softball, karate, rugby, sport climbing, taekwondo, target archery, triathlon, beach volleyball and water polo. Target archery is currently on the programs of both, but The World Games only holds events in divisions that are not contested in the Olympics.

Other sports presented

In addition to official and invitational sports, other sports have been presented during The World Games, including through "The World Games Garden". Among such sports are: Rhönrad (Wheel Gymnastics), Karlsruhe-based Ring Tennis, Skateboard, Baton twirling[46] and others.

Table of sports

See main article: World Games sports. Bold indicates sports in the 2025 World Games.

SportOfficialInvitationalOlympic
Aikido[47] 1993–2005 (no medals awarded)
Air sports[48] Skydiving: 1997–2022, Paragliding: 2013, Aerobatics: 2017, Paramotoring: 2017, Drone racing: 2022–
American football[49] Flag football (women): 2025 2005, 2017, Flag football: 2022[50] Demonstration: 1932
Flag football: 2028[51]
Archery[52] Field

1985–, Target: 2017–

Badminton[53] 1981 Demonstration: 1972.
Official: 1992–[54]
Baseball – Softball[55] Baseball: 1981, Softball (men): 1981,
Softball (women): 1981–85, 2022– 		Softball: 2009–2013 Baseball: 1992–2008, 2020, 2028
Softball: 1996–2008, 2020, 2028[56]
Billiards sports[57] Carom billiards, Pool, Snooker: 2001–
1989 (demonstration)[58] [59]
Boules sports[60] Petanque: 1985–, Lyonnaise: 2001–, Raffa: 2009–2017 Lyonnaise: 1997
Bowling[61] Ten pin: 1981–2022, Nine pin: 2005 Demonstration: 1988
Canoe[62] Canoe polo: 2005–, Marathon: 2022–, Dragon boat: 2025 Marathon: 2013
Dragon boat: 2005–2009
Casting[63] Allround:1981, Fly: 1981–1985, 1993–2005, Multiplier: 1981–1985, 1993–2001, Spinning: 1981–1985, 1993–1997
CheerleadingPom: 2025[64]
Artistic

1989, Cycle ball: 1989

Dancesport[65] Latin: 1997–, Standard: 1997–, Rock 'n' roll: 2005-2009, 2017–2022, Salsa: 2013–2017, Breaking: 2022 –, Para Dancesport: 2025 Breaking

2024[66]

Vaulting: 1993[67] Vaulting: 1920[68]
Fistball[69] Outdoor: 1985–
Fitness and Bodybuilding[70] Bodybuilding

1981–2009

Floorball[71] Indoor: 2017– Indoor: 1997
Flying disc[72] Ultimate: 2001–, Disc golf: 2001, 2025 Ultimate: 1989 (demonstration)
2001[73]
Gymnastics[74] Trampoline: 1981–, Tumbling: 1981–, Acrobatic: 1993–, Aerobic: 1997–, Rhythmic: 2001–2022, Parkour: 2022– Trampoline: 2000–[75]
Handball[76] Beach: 2013– Beach: 2001–2009
Hockey[77] Field, indoor: 2005
Ju-jitsu[78] Duo: 1997–, Fighting: 1997–, Ne-waza: 2013–, Duo for athletes with impairment: 2025
Karate[79] Kata: 1981–, Kumite: 1981– 2020[80]
Kickboxing[81] K1 style: 2022–, Point Fighting: 2025 K1 style: 2017
Korfball[82] Indoor:1985–, Beach: 2025 Demonstrations: 1920, 1928
Lacrosse[83] Women's: 2017, Women's Sixes: 2022– Men's Sixes: 2022[84] Demonstrations (men's): 1928, 1932, 1948
Official: Sixes: 2028[85]
Lifesaving[86] Pool: 1985–, Beach: 2001–2009, Combined team races: 2001–2009
1997[87]
1989
Motocross: 1985, Speedway:
1985, 2017, Indoor trial: 2005
Muaythai[88] 2017–
Netball[89] 1985–1993
Orienteering[90] 2001–
1997Demonstration: 1952
PowerboatingMotoSurf (biofuel/electric): 2025
Powerlifting[91] Equipped: 1981–, Classic: 2025
Racquetball[92] 1981–85, 1993, 2009–2013, 2022–
Roller sports[93] Artistic: 1981–2022, Roller Hockey: 1981–1993, 2001, Inline Hockey: 2005–, Speed Skating Track: 1981–, Speed Skating Road: 1981, 2013–, Freestyle Inline Slalom: 2025 Roller hockey: Demonstration: 1992
Indoor

2017

Rugby[94] Sevens: 2001–2013 Rugby Union: 1900, 1908, 1920-1924
Sevens: 2016–[95]
Sambo[96] 1985, 1993, 2025
Sport climbing[97] Lead: 2005–2022, Speed: 2005–, Boulder: 2017–2022 2020–[98]
Squash[99] 1997, 2005– 2028
Sumo[100] 2005–2022 2001
1981–1993[101] Demonstration: 1988.
Official: 2000–[102]
Tchoukball2009
Triathlon[103] 19931989 (demonstration),
Duathlon: 2013, 2022 - 		Triathlon: 2000–[104]
Tug of war[105] Outdoor: 1981–, Indoor: 2005–2017 Indoor: 1993–2001 1900–1920
Underwater Sports[106] Finswimming

1981–, Para Freediving: 2025

Beach: 1993Beach: Demonstration: 1992. Official: 1996–[107]
Water poloWomen's: 1981Women's: 2000–[108]
Waterski & Wakeboard[109] Waterski: 1981–2022, Barefoot: 1997–2009, Wakeboard: 2001–, Cable wakeboard: 2005, 2025, Wake Surf: 2025 Barefoot: 1993Demonstration: 1972
Women's: 1997Women's: 2000–[110]
Wheelchair rugby[111] Low point: 2025 Low point: 2022
Wushu[112] Taolu: 2025, Sanda: 2025Sanda: 2009–2013, Taolu: 2009–2013, 2022

Medal tables

All-time nation medal table

See main article: All-time World Games medal table. As of the 2022 World Games

All-time athlete medal table

Top ten medal table for athletes[113]

RankAthleteNationSportYears ActiveGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1align=left Jurgen Kolenda align=left 1981–1985 11 0 0 11
2align=left Steve Rajeff align=left 1981–2005 8 4 3 15
3align=left Serguei Akhapov align=left 1989–2005 8 4 1 13
4align=left align=left 2013–2022 8 2 2 12
5Danny Wieck Life saving2013-20226129
6Magali Rousseau Life saving2013-20226118
6Patrice Martin Waterski1981–2001 6 1 1 8
8Anna PoliakovaSumo2009–2017 6 0 0 6
9Marcello Saporiti Life saving1989–1993 5 2 2 9
10Vasilisa Kravchuk Finswimming2005–2013 5 2 1 8

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Media Information. International World Games Association. 13 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160418/https://www.theworldgames.org/contents/The-IWGA-15/Media-information-6#:. live.
  2. Web site: World, Continental and Intercontinental Games. Olympic Studies Centre. 13 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064818/https://library.olympic.org/Default/basicfilesdownload.ashx?itemGuid=340D61C1-5091-46CA-9C5D-608F3B0FACAC. live.
  3. Web site: The Birth. International World Games Association. 13 May 2021. 17 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230717005523/https://www.theworldgames.org/contents/TWG-25/The-birt-1341. live.
  4. Proposals of the Exco for Changes of the WG Constitution, 1984, IWGA Archives
  5. News: With a simple ceremony, a touch of pageantry and.... Joe. Sargis. United Press International. July 24, 1981. May 29, 2021. April 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072844/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/07/24/With-a-simple-ceremony-a-touch-of-pageantry-and/1139364795200/. live.
  6. Web site: TWG 1981 Santa Clara, USA. International World Games Association. 13 May 2021. 25 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230325041421/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Santa-Clara-USA-1981-5. live.
  7. Web site: London, GBR 1985. International World Games Association. 13 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064820/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/London-GBR-1985-6/summary. live.
  8. Web site: Karlsruhe, GER 1989. International World Games Association. 13 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160422/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Karlsruhe-GER-1989-7/summary. live.
  9. Web site: TWG 1997 Lahti, FIN. International World Games Association. 13 May 2021.
  10. Web site: IOC and IWGA Sign Memorandum of Understanding. International Olympic Committee. 14 May 2021. 17 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161017233629/https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-and-iwga-sign-memorandum-of-understanding. live.
  11. Web site: Memorandum of Understanding between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International World Games Association (IWGA). International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160426/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/MoU%20IOC%20-%20WGA.pdf. 26 May 2021. live.
  12. Web site: Memorandum of Understanding between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International World Games Association (IWGA), 2016. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20170718112412/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/MoU%20IOC%20-%20IWGA%202016.pdf. 18 July 2017. live.
  13. Web site: Akita, JAP 2021. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160422/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary. live.
  14. Web site: Duisburg, GER 2005. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021.
  15. Web site: Cali, COL 2013. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064820/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Cali-COL-2013-3/summary. live.
  16. Web site: Cancelled event at Cali 2013. sportresult.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20130818152642/http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Root/ViewPdf/GR0000000_C67_Apparaus%20Ribbon%20cancelled_1.1.pdf. 18 August 2013. live.
  17. Web site: Wrocław, POL 2017. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160425/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Wroclaw-POL-2017-4/summary. live.
  18. Web site: Birmingham, AL (USA), to be host city of The World Games 2021. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160426/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/the-world-games-17/birmingham-usa-to-be-host-city-of-the-world-games-2021-1417. live.
  19. Web site: Birmingham 2021 World Games moved back a year following Tokyo 2020 postponement. Inside the Games. 14 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064823/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1092734/world-games-postponed-2022. live.
  20. Web site: The World Games in Birmingham Postponed Until 2022. International Handball Federation. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160419/https://www.ihf.info/media-center/news/world-games-birmingham-postponed-until-2022. live.
  21. Web site: The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama Moves to July 2022. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064821/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/The-World-Games-in-Birmingham-Alabama-moves-to-JULY-2022-2010. live.
  22. Web site: Birmingham, USA 2022. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064822/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/summary. live.
  23. Web site: Chengdu confirmed as host of 2025 World Games. Inside the Games. 14 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064823/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1078982/chengdu-confirmed-as-host-of-2025-world-games. live.
  24. Web site: Three further competition venues confirmed for World Games 2022. Inside the Games. 14 May 2021. 14 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210514140807/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1105666/world-games-three-competition-venues. live.
  25. Web site: GSI Event Study, The World Games 2017. Sportcal Global Communications Ltd. 14 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20190219183421/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Sportcal%20GSI%20Event%20Study%20-%20The%20World%20Games%202017%20FINAL.pdf. 19 February 2019. live.
  26. Web site: Kaohsiung, TPE 2009. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160430/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Kaohsiung-TPE-2009-12/summary. live.
  27. Web site: IWGA Commitment. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021.
  28. Web site: Constitution of the International World Games Association. 8. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160425/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Constitution_IWGA_09_12_2020.pdf. live.
  29. Web site: The World Games Family Grows. 27 May 2021. International World games Association. 2021-06-02. 2021-06-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20210603064751/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/The-World-Games-Family-Grows-2136. live.
  30. Web site: IF Opening and Closing Ceremony Award Ceremony: Specifics & Protocols. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160421/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/IF%20Opening%2C%20Closing%20%26%20Medal%20Ceremonies%20-%20Specifics%20%26%20Protocols.pdf. live.
  31. Web site: Athletes' Night. The World Games 2022 Birmingham, USA. 14 May 2021. 3 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210603135427/https://twg2022.com/athletes-night/. live.
  32. Web site: The Hague, NED 1993. International World Games Association. 14 May 2021. 4 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231004002100/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8/summary. live.
  33. Web site: Final Report: The World Games 2017. The World Games, Wroclaw 2017. 14 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160418/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/wg2017/2017-12-29%20WOC%20FINAL%20REPORT.pdf. 26 May 2021. live.
  34. Web site: The World Games 1981, Santa Clara (USA) summary IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  35. News: For the real sports fan, the name of the.... Joe. Sargis. United Press International. 3 Aug 1981. 29 May 2021. 2 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170902051400/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/03/For-the-real-sports-fan-the-name-of-the/7757365659200/. live.
  36. https://www.theworldgames.org/files/wg2022/TWG%202022%20-%20Quantum%20Event%20Evaluation%20Report.pdf Quantum Event Evaluation Report
  37. Web site: Detailed sports program published. 2020-07-07. www.theworldgames.org. 2020-10-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20201028210801/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/Detailed-Sports-Programme-published-2034. live. Note: This document states 207 official events, which, however, includes men's lacrosse, an invitational event.
  38. Web site: The World Games 2022 Birmingham Partners with NFL, Adds Flag Football. twg2022.com. 15 Jul 2020. 2020-08-06. 2022-02-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20220227182621/https://twg2022.com/2020/flagfootball-nfl/. live.
  39. Web site: Introduction to Wheelchair Rugby. International Wheelchair Rugby Federation. Wheelchair Rugby is a mixed team sport for male and female quadriplegic athletes. ... Men and women compete on the same teams and in the same competitions.. iwrf.com. 2021-05-31. 2021-07-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20210728133140/https://www.iwrf.com/?page=about_our_sport. dead.
  40. Web site: Meet Duathlon – the little sibling of Triathlon. 27 Nov 2020. 2021-05-31. theworldgames.org. International World Games Association. At The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 40 female and 40 male Duathlon athletes will compete in individual competitions as well as in Mixed Relay.. 2020-12-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20201211122854/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/Meet-Duathlon-the-little-sibling-of-Triathlon-2064. live.
  41. Web site: Wushu Included as an Invitational Sport in The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, USA. 22 Sep 2020. 2021-05-29. iwuf.org. International Wushu Federation. 2020-10-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20201005084628/http://www.iwuf.org/2020/09/22/wushu-included-as-an-invitational-sport-in-the-world-games-2022-in-birmingham-usa/. live.
  42. Web site: FULL RESULTS FROM THE OFFICIAL RESULTS PROVIDER. 3 Nov 2022. 2022-11-03. theworldgames.org. International World Games Association. 2023-07-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714215231/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/infosystem#//swog2022.sportresult.com/hide/hide/. live.
  43. Web site: Rules of TWG: IWGA The World Games. International World Games Association. 21 Jul 2018. 14 May 2021. 30 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065320/https://library.olympics.com/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/209286/rules-of-twg-iwga-the-world-games-international-world-games-association. live.
  44. Web site: The World Games – Growth Beyond Excellence. International World Games Association. 13 Jan 2020. 13 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210121142236/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Agenda%20for%20Development%20of%20TWG%20and%20IWGA%20(Strategy%20Paper).pdf. 21 January 2021. live.
  45. Web site: Five Invitational Sports in The World Games 2022. 15 Sep 2020. TWG 2022 Birmingham. twg2022.com. 2021-05-30. 2022-02-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20220227164430/https://twg2022.com/2020/five-invitational-sports/. live.
  46. Web site: History World Baton Twirling Federation . 2022-06-18 . www.wbtf.org . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065825/https://www.wbtf.org/history . live .
  47. Web site: Aikido IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082343/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Aikido-47 . live .
  48. Web site: Air Sports IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082343/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Air-Sports-29 . live .
  49. Web site: American Football IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  50. Web site: Flag Football – the non-contact American Football IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  51. https://olympics.com/en/sports/flag-football/ Flag Football
  52. Web site: Archery IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229104243/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Archery-64 . live .
  53. Web site: Result history of The World Games IWGA - Badminton (press "Search") . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2017-02-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170225194028/http://www.theworldgames.org/the-world-games/results-history#edition=0&sport=65&discipline=184&category=&country= . live .
  54. https://olympics.com/en/sports/badminton/ Badminton
  55. Web site: Baseball - Softball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082352/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Baseball-Softball-40 . live .
  56. https://olympics.com/en/sports/baseball-softball/ Baseball - Softball
  57. Web site: Billiards Sports IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082343/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Billiards-Sports-43 . live .
  58. Web site: 2019 . THE WORLD GAMES CONTINUE TO GROW! . 2021-07-14 . TheWorldGames.org . IWGA . (In 1989) Aikido and Minigolf were presented as invitational sports, and Triathlon, Boomerang and Flying Disc were among the demonstration sports. This was the first time there were sports demonstrations at The World Games. . 2022-04-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220422043813/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/The-World-Games-continue-to-grow-1950 . live .
  59. Web site: The World Games 1989, Karlsruhe (GER) IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229104930/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Karlsruhe-GER-1989-7 . live .
  60. Web site: Boules Sports IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082347/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Boules-Sports-24 . live .
  61. Web site: Bowling IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229114743/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Bowling-25 . live .
  62. Web site: Canoe IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082344/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Canoe-62 . live .
  63. Web site: Casting IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082351/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Casting-46 . live .
  64. Web site: The World Games 2025, Chengdu (CHN) IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2021-06-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210629013748/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Chengdu-CHN-2025-14 . live .
  65. Web site: DanceSport IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082350/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/DanceSport-9 . live .
  66. https://olympics.com/en/sports/breaking/ Breaking
  67. Web site: The World Games 1993, The Hague (NED) IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-03-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240329045830/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8 . live .
  68. https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/antwerp-1920/results/equestrian-vaulting Antwerp 1920 - Equestrian Vaulting Results
  69. Web site: Fistball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  70. Web site: Fitness and Bodybuilding IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082352/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Fitness-and-Bodybuilding-45 . live .
  71. Web site: Floorball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2018-04-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180422205550/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Floorball-56 . live .
  72. Web site: Flying Disc IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  73. Web site: The World Games 2001, Akita (JPN) summary IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2023-11-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231129043412/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary . live .
  74. Web site: Gymnastics IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2019-05-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190509155940/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Gymnastics-59 . live .
  75. https://olympics.com/en/sports/trampoline-gymnastics/ Trampoline
  76. Web site: Handball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064858/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Handball-13 . live .
  77. Web site: Hockey IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065030/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Hockey-76 . live .
  78. Web site: Ju-Jitsu IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229110336/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Ju-Jitsu-21 . live .
  79. Web site: Karate IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064909/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Karate-22 . live .
  80. https://olympics.com/en/sports/karate/ Karate
  81. Web site: Kickboxing IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082356/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Kickboxing-57 . live .
  82. Web site: Korfball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064914/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Korfball-17 . live .
  83. Web site: Lacrosse IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2022-10-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221028040956/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Lacrosse-54 . live .
  84. Web site: Men's Lacrosse joins the Games IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  85. https://olympics.com/en/sports/lacrosse/ Lacrosse
  86. Web site: Life Saving IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2022-06-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220602224818/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Life-Saving-33 . live .
  87. Web site: The World Games 1997, Lahti (FIN) summary IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082342/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Lahti-FIN-1997-9/summary . live .
  88. Web site: Muaythai IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-01-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114143911/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Muaythai-55 . live .
  89. Web site: Netball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082349/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Netball-49 . live .
  90. Web site: Orienteering IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2021-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210421095434/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Orienteering-34 . live .
  91. Web site: Powerlifting IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-03-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240329045830/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Powerlifting-27 . live .
  92. Web site: Racquetball IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082354/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Racquetball-18 . live .
  93. Web site: Roller Sports IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229120520/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Roller-Sports-60 . live .
  94. Web site: Rugby IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065004/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Rugby-19 . live .
  95. https://olympics.com/en/sports/rugby-sevens/ Rugby Sevens
  96. Web site: Sambo IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082344/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sambo-67 . live .
  97. Web site: Sport Climbing IWGA . 2022-06-19 . www.theworldgames.org . 2022-06-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220619234830/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sport-Climbing-36 . live .
  98. Web site: IOC - Sport Climbing . 2022-06-19 . 2024-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065833/https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/sport-climbing#discipline-history-of . live .
  99. Web site: Squash IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082357/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Squash-20 . live .
  100. Web site: Sumo IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org.
  101. Web site: The World Games 1993, The Hague (NED) IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-03-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240329045830/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8 . live .
  102. https://olympics.com/en/sports/taekwondo/ Taekwondo
  103. Web site: Triathlon IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2023-10-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231006085145/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Triathlon-39 . live .
  104. https://olympics.com/en/sports/triathlon/ Triathlon
  105. Web site: Tug of War IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082353/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Tug-of-War-28 . live .
  106. Web site: Underwater Sports IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082346/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Underwater-Sports-30 . live .
  107. https://olympics.com/en/sports/beach-volleyball/ Beach Volleyball
  108. https://olympics.com/en/sports/water-polo/ Water Polo
  109. Web site: Waterski & Wakeboard IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229114907/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Waterski-Wakeboard-37 . live .
  110. https://olympics.com/en/sports/weightlifting/ Weightlifting
  111. Web site: Wheelchair Rugby IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082356/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Wheelchair-Rugby-77 . live .
  112. Web site: Wushu IWGA . 2024-02-21 . www.theworldgames.org . 2024-01-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114143915/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Wushu-41 . live .
  113. Web site: TWG most successful athletes. International World Games Association. 2021-05-26. 2021-05-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210509171156/https://www.theworldgames.org/athletes/most-successful. live.

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