Birmingham was buzzing
Scott Myers, Executive Director of the Sports Hall of Fame in Alabama, describes the reactions after Birmingham/Alabama was selected as host of The World Games 2021. He also names the city’s goals for TWG 2021.
Why did Birmingham bid for TWG 2021?
After visiting Cali, Colombia, for the 2013 World Games, we realized that Birmingham had sufficient venues and infrastructure to physically accommodate this world-class event. Birmingham is a city that’s extremely enthusiastic about sports, but not as large a market as Atlanta, Los Angeles or New York. We felt that we were the right size market for The World Games, and could benefit from the international prestige and exposure associated with the Games, while introducing guests from around the globe to Birmingham and the State of Alabama.
How did the people react after Birmingham was selected as the host for 2021?
OVERWHELMING! On the morning of the announcement, Birmingham was buzzing with energy and excitement. All of our supporters during the bid process were extremely happy for our City, and extremely proud that Birmingham had won! It has been a month since the announcement and there is still a lot of excitement throughout the City. People continue to share in the joy of hosting the Games, while looking for opportunities to assist in making the Games the best World Games ever!
Who supported your bid?
Before we even decided to bid, and during the time we were writing our bid, we sought the support of our local government (the Mayor of Birmingham and the Birmingham City Council), our regional government (the Jefferson County Commission), our state government (the Governor of Alabama and State Senators & Representatives), our national government (the President of the United States, U.S. Senators and Representatives, U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Commerce), the United States Olympic Committee and dozens of local, national and international business leaders, who all fully endorsed our Bid and committed to help the Games be successful. We received unprecedented strong, positive encouragement and unanimous enthusiastic support from every single person and every single entity to which we reached out.
What are your goals?
Hosting the Games and the World in 2021 presents tremendous opportunities for our city to introduce new sports and new cultures into our educational system. At the same time, preparing for The Word Games will give the City the opportunity to upgrade existing venues, transportation systems and infrastructure. TWG 2021 BHM has the ultimate opportunity to showcase all that Birmingham and our entire state has to offer to the entire world. We want TWG 2021 to be the beginning of Birmingham’s NEW sports-infused future!
What do you expect in terms of media/spectators?
Our expectations are simply to put on the best World Games possible to give the athletes the world-class experience they have earned. With a mix of sports expertise and southern hospitality, we want to provide all who attend a first-class experience with an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement, while maximizing exposure for the individual sports and athletes. Additionally, we want The World Games 2021 to be a huge success for the IWGA and all of the International Sport Federations.
How do you feel that TWG will celebrate their comeback in the USA - 40 years after the inaugural event (1981 in Santa Clara)?
Our hope is to celebrate the return in 2021 as a much-anticipated homecoming, showing the world the tremendous growth and success that The World Games have attained in just 40 years!
How would you describe Birmingham and why is this city the best to host 2021?
Birmingham is a modern city with a rich sports history. Our resume includes numerous great venues and facilities, over 18,000 hotel rooms, a convenient international airport, and the infrastructure for special events. Before and after the Games, Birmingham has everything you need to host your event in a winning city!