Dear friends of The World Games Family,
As we welcome the start of a new year, I am filled with immense gratitude and optimism for the future. 2024 was a year of great accomplishments, and as we reflect on our journey, I want to share a message of recognition and encouragement with all of you.
Ten years ago, I had the great honour of becoming President of the IWGA. Looking back on this transformative decade, I am deeply proud of all we’ve achieved together. I am immensely proud of our professional team; without their dedication and support, my work as the head of IWGA would not have been possible.
The growth of The World Games, both as an event and as a community, is a testament to the power of unity, passion, and hard work. It has been an extraordinary journey celebrating the triumphs and challenges that have shaped us into the strong, vibrant community we are today.
The milestones of 2024 remind us of the incredible potential that lies ahead. Our expansion, with the addition of new members like the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and the International Cheer Union (ICU), has further enriched the diversity of The World Games. We were proud to announce our first-ever global partner, Xtep, in the clothing/apparel category, marking an exciting new chapter for The World Games’ commercial and global growth. The successful launch of The World Games Series in Hong Kong (11-13 October 2024) kicked-off a new chapter in our story, and we look forward to its continued evolution with a second edition to be hosted in Chengdu from 28-30 March 2025. Furthermore, the announcement that the 2029 Games will return to Karlsruhe, Germany—a city that first hosted us 40 years ago—was a powerful symbol of our enduring legacy.
I am particularly proud of the steps we made in fostering inclusivity and sustainability. The launch of our Women’s Leadership Programme, our commitment to gender equality in all competitions and making The World Games more environmentally responsible with our Sustainability Strategy, are steps toward building a more equitable and sustainable world of sport. These achievements reflect our dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and they inspire us to continue working toward a better tomorrow.
As we look to the future, the year 2025 holds even greater promise. The upcoming 12th edition of The World Games in Chengdu will undoubtedly be a celebration of sport mixed with the vibrant hospitality and warmth of people of China. With 5,000 participants from over 100 countries coming together, Chengdu will be a place where dreams are realised, where friendships are forged, and sport performances are celebrated. The second edition of The World Games Series will offer yet another platform for our athletes to excel, and with additional qualification spots, we will be providing more opportunities for them to shine on the global stage.
The launch of The World Games Live, our first-ever OTT platform, marks a significant jump forward in making our Games more accessible to fans worldwide, creating an inclusive and immersive experience that will inspire future generations. And, as we launch the bidding process for the 2033 edition of The World Games, we are reminded of the power of sport to bring people of all backgrounds together.
In 2025, we will take a historic step in athlete empowerment by allowing athletes to vote for the members of the IWGA Athlete Committee, achieving total gender equality—a significant milestone in ensuring that our athletes' voices are further heard, valued, and reflected in every decision we make.
The future is incredibly bright, and we have so much to look forward to. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners, members, and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Sport Organisations (NSOs), pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new standards in the world of multi-sport events. The recently signed MoUs with major NOCs and NSOs is a testament to this mission.
Finally, the upcoming election of the new IOC president presents an opportunity for us to shape the future of not only sport but also of our organisation, and the IWGA will stand in solidarity, fully supporting the new leadership.
I wish all of you a prosperous and inspiring 2025—may it be a year filled with growth, health achievement, and the kind of unity that makes The World Games Family so special. Let us continue to inspire the world, celebrate our athletes, and create unforgettable moments that will be cherished for generations to come.
Warmest regards,
José Perurena
IWGA President