Birmingham native, film producer and original MTV VJ Alan Hunter has joined The World Games 2022 as an Honorary Co-Chair.
Hunter became a major part of American pop culture during his years as one of the five original MTV VJs in the 1980s. After returning to Birmingham, he and his brother Hugh formed film and television production company Hunter Films, which earned an Academy Award nomination for the short film “Johnny Flynton” in 2003. Currently, Hunter appears on SiriusXM Satellite Radio as a daily host for the “80s on 8” and “Classic Rewind” channels and the weekly “I Want My 80s” podcast. He lives in St. Louis with his wife Elizabeth and their two sons.
During his many years in Birmingham, Hunter’s other local ventures included creating, along with his three brothers, WorkPlay -- Birmingham’s first entertainment venue with sound stage, recording studios, concert halls and offices. Hunter was also the founding President of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, now in its 22nd year.
“I’m excited about The World Games 2022 because it’s going to feature sports as well as amazing live music and entertainment,” said Hunter. “Fans of sports and music – which covers just about everybody – will want to be part of this incredible experience. So do I, which is why I am thrilled to return to my home town as an Honorary Co-Chair. The fact that The World Games will focus the world’s attention on Birmingham makes it even more special to me.”
The opening and closing ceremonies will feature a 75-piece World Games Orchestra and The World Games Youth Choir, as well as performances by country music supergroup Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Pastor Mike Jr., Taylor Hicks, Chuck Leavell, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Bo Bice, Worth the Wait and Reuben Studdard. Funk and R&B legend Bootsy Collins will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Henry Panion III, University Professor of Music and Director of Music Technology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, serves as the artistic director of The World Games 2022 and is creating the musical score for the ceremonies.
Alabama Power is the Presenting Sponsor of the Opening Ceremony, while Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., is the Presenting Sponsor of the Closing Ceremony.
“Simply put, Alan Hunter is a Birmingham icon and a champion for the Magic City,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “We are extremely proud to have someone of his calibre on The World Games team.”
Hunter joins Alabamians Charles Barkley, Randy Owen, Vonetta Flowers, Noah Galloway and Cat Reddick Whitehill as Honorary Co-Chairs.
Tickets to The World Games 2022, including to the opening and closing ceremonies, can be purchased online at twg2022.com.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support 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 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.