In August 2024, the International World Games Association (IWGA) proudly announced its partnership with Xtep, a leading Chinese sportswear brand, which will, as first ever global partner, serve as the official uniform provider for The World Games 2025 and the inaugural leg of The World Games Series in Hong Kong. This partnership marks a significant milestone in both organisations' global expansion strategies.
The IWGA is thrilled to unveil the uniform selected for the upcoming event in Hong Kong, China, from 11–13 October. All uniforms are provided by IWGA's global sponsor, Xtep, as part of the sponsorship agreement.
Xtep has designed and produced TWG Series collection, which includes a t-shirt, polo shirt, trousers, shorts, jacket, cap, and backpack for all IWGA officials, staff, Local Organising Committee personnel, and volunteers. Each item is branded with the TWG and Xtep logos and different colours for easy identification of event participants. The uniforms are the right balance between sport and elegance, reflecting the event’s style and enhancing TWG’s brand recognition and strenghten its visibility.
Additionally, Xtep will generously provide a gift to all participating athletes in Hong Kong.
As Xtep prepares to become the IWGA's global partner and official uniform provider for both The World Games 2025 and The World Games Series, we sat down with Xtep Group Chairman and CEO, Mr. Ding Shui Po, to discuss how this partnership aligns with their long-term strategy, the innovations they’re bringing to the table, and what this collaboration means for their global presence.
"The World Games is more than just a multi-sport competition; it’s a celebration of diverse and emerging sports that align with our vision of making sports a unique and inclusive experience. Since our inception, Xtep has been committed to delivering products that cater to the varied needs of sports enthusiasts worldwide,” said Mr. Ding Shui Po, before adding, "The World Games, alongside the FISU World University Games and the Olympic Games, are among the most significant multi-sport events globally. Hosting The World Games 2025 on the Chinese mainland, particularly in Chengdu, gives us a unique platform to reinforce our brand positioning."
We also asked Xtep about the key innovations to expect in the apparel being designed for The World Games 2025 and The World Games Series.
"Our apparel for The World Games 2025 will incorporate advanced antibacterial and quick-dry fabrics, along with 3D cutting techniques to enhance both performance and aesthetics. The designs are deeply inspired by Chengdu’s cultural heritage, featuring elements like pandas, Shu brocade, and Chinese mandarin collars. This fusion of tradition and modernity highlights Chengdu’s charm and brings a unique cultural touch to the global stage."
Sustainability is also a major focus in Xtep’s production process for our events.
"Sustainability is at the core of our production process for The World Games 2025," Mr. Ding continued. "We’re using eco-friendly yarn made from recycled PET bottles, with each t-shirt incorporating material from approximately six to seven bottles. This initiative significantly reduces carbon emissions and aligns with our commitment to sustainable development. We’re confident that our efforts will not only support the Games but also contribute to the global movement toward environmental responsibility."
Reflecting on their experience with the FISU World University Games, Mr. Ding Shui Po reflected:
"Our experience outfitting 20,000 volunteers for the FISU World University Games was invaluable. It helped us understand the crucial role that apparel plays in enhancing the event experience and promoting cultural exchange. For The World Games 2025, we are building on those insights by optimizing product performance while maintaining a stylish and sporty design. Our goal is to foster cultural fusion between China and other nations, promoting global peace and understanding through sports."
Chairman Ding concluded by stating, "The World Games 2025 and TWG Series offers a unique platform to showcase the best of Chinese culture alongside world-class sports. As a Chinese sports brand, participating in such a prestigious event enhances our global visibility and allows us to engage with sports enthusiasts around the world. We also plan to release special collections and merchandise tied to TWG, helping us connect with a broader audience and strengthen our presence in international markets."
As Xtep continues preparations for the IWGA flagship events, it’s clear that this partnership is about more than just outfitting an event—it’s about making a lasting impact on the global sportswear industry, promoting sustainability, and fostering cultural exchange on a global scale.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 40 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).
For more information, please contact the IWGA Media and Communication team: [email protected], Tel: +41 21 311 12 97, or visit our website.
