The World Games Villages Officially Open, Welcoming Athletes from 30+ Sports
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BIRMINGHAM, AL – July 7, 2022 – The athlete villages for The World Games Birmingham 2022 officially opened today with a flag handover ceremony and remarks from key officials, signaling the start of competition for over 3,600 athletes representing over 100 nations. The villages, strategically divided into Village A and Village B, are designed to provide a complete support system for participants throughout the duration of the Games, running July 7-17.
A Hub for International Competition & Camaraderie
The World Games, a quadrennial multi-sport event featuring disciplines not contested in the Olympic Games, aims to showcase a diverse range of athletic pursuits. This year’s Games in Birmingham are particularly meaningful, marking the first time the event has been held in the United States since 2001.The newly opened villages are central to the athlete experience, providing not only accommodation but also a space for recovery, training, and cultural exchange. Village A will house athletes, coaches, and officials from a broad spectrum of sports including Air Sports, Archery, Canoe, Gymnastics, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Lacrosse, Powerboating, Sport Climbing, and Triathlon, among others – a total of 22 sports. Village B will be home to athletes and staff participating in Baseball-Softball, DanceSport, Floorball, Kickboxing, Muaythai, Powerlifting, Roller sports, Squash, and Wushu, encompassing 11 sports.
National Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Sports Organisation (NSO) delegations will primarily reside in Village A. The intercontinental Century City hotel has been designated as the headquarters hotel and will host the IWGA Family – including guests and international stakeholders.
Beyond accommodation: Comprehensive Athlete Support
IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow emphasized the importance of the villages, stating, “This Village represents the starting point of dreams fulfilled, personal bests achieved, and unforgettable moments shared. It is indeed here that athletes will rest, recover, and build bonds that go beyond borders, beyond language, and beyond competition.”
The villages are equipped with a range of services designed to support athletes’ peak performance and well-being. These include:
Medical & Chiropractic Centres: Providing immediate care and preventative services. diverse Dining Halls: Catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Training & Recreation zones: Offering spaces for warm-up, cool-down, and leisure activities.
Laundry Facilities: Ensuring athletes have clean gear throughout the Games.
Multi-Language Assistance Hubs: Facilitating communication and support for athletes from around the world.
Gossow further lauded the Local Organising Committee, stating, “Your dedication, precision, and vision have set a new benchmark for athletes’ accommodation at The World games. From thoughtful layout and modern facilities to world-class services – every detail reflects a deep respect for the athletes and for the values of our Games.”
Crucial Details Not in the Original Article:
Date of Village Opening: July 7, 2022.
Total Number of Athletes: Over 3,600. Number of Participating Nations: Over 100.
Ancient Context: This is the first time The World Games has been held in the United States since 2001.
games Duration: July 7-17, 2022.
* Specific mention of the flag handover ceremony as part of the opening.
