The leaders of The 2022 World Games have painted an extremely positive picture of the event, held from July 7-17 in Birmingham, Alabama. José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association spoke of competition venues at the highest level. Joe Knight, County Commissioner and Board Member of the Birmingham Organizing Committee reported, "The athletes tell us this is the best city they have ever competed in."
The hosts issued a total of 375,000 tickets for these competitions in 223 Medal Events. Joe Knight said that ticket sales had picked up especially on the final days of competition. Grandstand seats were sold out at more than half of the 23 competition venues during the ten competition days, he said.
Joachim Gossow, CEO of the IWGA, was able to name another success figure. Already after six days of competition, comparing to 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland, the eleventh edition had tripled the number of streaming followers on the online platform olympics.com. Joachim Gossow: "Pictures of Birmingham and our Games could be seen everywhere in the world."
The organizers once again expressly thanked the more than 3,000 volunteers for their commitment. This commitment had made the Games possible. Their positive attitude showed that Southern Hospitality was more than just a phrase. "The athletes actually felt that hospitality and really enjoyed it," said José Perurena. Joe Knight described the Birmingham Games as "a wonderful show. Birmingham has been the shining star in the eyes of the world."
Watch the whole press conference.
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 is held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries take part in The World Games.