SAINT PETERSBURG (26/05/2013) The International World Games Association welcomed three new member federations into The World Games family. During the IWGA’s Annual General Meeting in Saint Petersburg on Monday, the delegates voted in favor of the admission of the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL), the International Floorball Federation (IFF) and the International Muaythai Federation Amateur (IFMA). The member federations and their sports will be presented in more detail soon.
With that, The World Games family now includes 36 international sports federations. Ron Froehlich welcomed the increase of IWGA members: “We can start moving forward now and bring new members in,” Ron Froehlich said after the AGM. He further explained: “We continue looking for applications, because we want to have the best sports.”
John Liljelund, Secretary General of the International Floorball Federation declared: “We are very happy that we were approved by the IF delegates. I am sure we can contribute to the success of The World Games.”
Besides expressing his joy over the approval, Dr. Skachye Tapsuwan, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, highlighted two aspects: “I think we can contribute to increasing the significance of The World Games. We applied for membership in the IWGA to continue making our sport known worldwide.”
Tom Hayes, Director of Development Lacrosse: We are glad that we are now part of the community of the IWGA. But we are not only glad but also proud about our successful application.”
The admission to the IWGA does not necessarily mean that these sports will be part of the 10th edition in 2017, in Wroclaw, Poland. After this year’s Games in Cali, Colombia, the IWGA will evaluate its programme. Subsequently, federations can apply with their sports and disciplines for the participation in the multi-sport event. The general meeting was decided on this approach along with the amendment of the constitution in London two years ago.
„From left to right: Ron Balls, Finance Director FIL, Tom Hayes, Director of Development FIL, Tomas Eriksson, President IFF, IWGA President Ron Froehlich, Dr. Sakchchye Tapsuwan, President IFMA and John Liljelund, Secretary General IFF.”