The World Games is there to join in as well as to watch: the planned Sports Garden will give people in Birmingham, Alabama the opportunity to try out the sports and disciplines themselves during The World Games 2021 (15 to 25 July).
The Birmingham Organising Committee (BOC) and the IWGA are currently working on a joint concept for the Sports Garden. It is certain that the ‘field of play’ will be within the area of the Plaza at Railroad Park. The area with its own stage is located next to the Barons' Baseball stadium. The concept envisages that in particular the IWGA member federations who are not in the 2021 Games programme with their sports, will be able to present themselves. This includes presentations on the Plaza stage as well as participation offers at stands in the Plaza area.
At the Annual General Meeting in May in Gold Coast, Australia, Steve Mistrot, Vice President-Sports of the BOC, invited the federations to participate. With the help of a request form on the theworldgames2021.org website, the federations can already express a basic interest. Some federations, including Aikido, have already indicated their willingness to be part of the show.
Steve Mistrot says about the further procedure: "We will determine the details in the coming months. The programme and the exact design will depend on how many sports are interested in participating. We hope that the Sports Garden will increase the enthusiasm for The World Games. But we also hope that a few visitors will discover a sport for themselves as one to stick to after the event.”
Sebastian Garvens, IWGA Head of IF and Games Services, said: "We believe that the Sports Garden can trigger a kind of grassroots movement for our sports. We therefore encourage our international federations to participate through their national and local organisations. Being able to experience The World Games sports for yourself increases the fascination of the Games even more." Sebastian Garvens is also positive about the BOC imposing the condition that training should also be made possible for people with disabilities.
Sebastian Garvens:
"We don't see the Sports Garden as a supplement, but as an integral part of The World Games experience."
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
