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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1778881986

** **The World Games** is an international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring a diverse range of sports and attracting athletes from around the globe. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The World Games is a premier international multi-sport event that showcases a wide variety of sports not typically featured at the Olympic Games. First held in 1981 in Santa Clara, California, the event has grown in popularity and participation over the years, with the most recent edition taking place in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2022. The World Games aim to promote international friendship, sportsmanship, and the development of new sports, while providing a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level. The World Games feature a unique blend of traditional and non-traditional sports, including archery, badminton, bowling, equestrian, gymnastics, karate, racquetball, and table tennis, among others. The event is governed by the International World Games Association (IWGA), which oversees the organization and staging of the Games. The IWGA is responsible for selecting the sports and disciplines to be featured at each edition of the World Games, as well as determining the host city and country. ## History/Background The concept of the World Games was first proposed in the 1970s by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), which aimed to create a platform for university athletes to compete in a variety of sports. The first World Games were held in 1981 in Santa Clara, California, and were attended by athletes from 25 countries. The event was initially known as the World University Games, but was later renamed to reflect its broader scope and international participation. Over the years, the World Games have grown in size and popularity, with the 2005 edition in Duisburg, Germany, featuring over 3,000 athletes from 96 countries. The 2013 edition in Cali, Colombia, saw the introduction of new sports, including breakdancing and parkour, which have since become a staple of the World Games. The 2022 edition in Birmingham, Alabama, was the largest in the event's history, with over 3,600 athletes from 108 countries competing in 32 sports. ## Key Information * **Sports:** The World Games feature a diverse range of sports, including archery, badminton, bowling, equestrian, gymnastics, karate, racquetball, and table tennis, among others. * **Participation:** The event attracts athletes from around the globe, with the most recent edition featuring over 3,600 athletes from 108 countries. * **Frequency:** The World Games are held every four years, with the next edition scheduled for 2025 in Chengdu, China. * **Host Cities:** The World Games have been held in a variety of cities around the world, including Santa Clara, California; Duisburg, Germany; Cali, Colombia; and Birmingham, Alabama. * **IWGA:** The International World Games Association (IWGA) governs the World Games, overseeing the organization and staging of the event. ## Significance The World Games hold significant importance in the world of sports, providing a platform for athletes to compete in a variety of sports and disciplines. The event promotes international friendship, sportsmanship, and the development of new sports, while also providing a unique opportunity for athletes to gain experience and exposure. The World Games also serve as a testing ground for new sports and disciplines, which may eventually be included in the Olympic Games or other international competitions. INFOBOX: - **Name:** The World Games - **Type:** International multi-sport event - **Date:** 1981 (first edition) - **Location:** Birmingham, Alabama (2022 edition) - **Known For:** Promoting international friendship, sportsmanship, and the development of new sports TAGS: International multi-sport event, World Games, IWGA, sportsmanship, international friendship, new sports, Olympic Games, university sports, FISU.