Rui Vinagre serves as Competition Manager for the FIG at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. In the IWGA Interview of the Month, he shares his experiences at the Competition Managers’ Meeting (CMM) held at the end of October in Chengdu. He says: “All topics covered during the CMM are very important for the future, in order to have the best preparation for TWG 2025.”
What was the first thing you told your colleagues at the FIG ( Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) about the Competition Managers’ Meeting?
Rui Vinagre: The first thing I transmitted was some of my personal feelings, in terms of both organisation and venues. We (FIG) are very confident about the organisation, knowing that there is good knowledge within the local organisers. We have already experienced Gymnastics organisation in China, in the disciplines included in TWG Gymnastics events.
Have you been to Chengdu before, and how did you experience it now?
Rui Vinagre: It was my first time in Chengdu. Because FIG will have two venues during The World Games, we were involved in an intensive programme, so other than the official activities there were no special experiences. Anyway, the feeling was good and we felt comfortable all the time.
What were the most important insights of the meeting in Chengdu, for you?
Rui Vinagre: All topics covered during the CMM are very important for the future, in order to have the best preparation for TWG 2025. On a specific matter, the visit to the venues and village was one of the most important items. Regarding the venues, we found that both are very far away from the proposed village. I am concerned that it is a negative for the participants, when they have to travel a minimum of two hours per day (both ways).
What do you, your federation and your athletes expect from TWG 2025?
Rui Vinagre: What I expect is that we (FIG) can deliver a good event, with excellent competitions and a very friendly atmosphere. When we can have all that, we're sure that athletes and the federation will be happy to take part in TWG 2025 in Chengdu. Also, in all Gymnastics disciplines we'll have a very good show and exciting competitions.
You have more than one competition venue for your four disciplines at the 2025 Games. How satisfied are you with the host city's proposals?
Rui Vinagre: We are very happy with the venue for the indoor Gymnastics disciplines (Trampoline, Acrobatic and Aerobic Gymnastics). Concerning our outdoor discipline (Parkour), there is still work to do in order to guarantee good conditions for the participants, organisers and spectators.
How are you preparing for your role as Competition Manager at the Chengdu Games?
Rui Vinagre: Considering that I have been the FIG Competition Manager for TWG since Cali 2013, I try to anticipate all possible questions, and keep working together with my colleagues in the FIG, IWGA and the Local Organising Committee, in order to avoid any misunderstandings and/or last minute ‘surprises’.
What are the next tasks on the Road to Chengdu?
Rui Vinagre: The next tasks are related to the qualifying events, but also the definition of the Parkour venue, in all its dimensions and aspects.
Is there any cooperation with the National Federation in China, and in what way?
Rui Vinagre: Yes. During the CMM in Chengdu, we had the opportunity to meet two sports managers from the Chinese Gymnastics Association (CGA), and we were honoured to have a visit from the CGA President. The local sports managers are persons working in the disciplines, meaning that they have a good knowledge of the sport and disciplines included in TWG.
When does the qualification process for the Games start, and how does it work?
Rui Vinagre: The qualification process will start in November 2023 and continues during 2024. Each discipline's qualification is based on the results of the last World Championship prior to TWG. For Trampoline this is in 2023, and for all the other disciplines (Acrobatic, Aerobic and Parkour) in 2024.
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 World Games 2022 was held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and 100 countries took part in the Games. The 12th edition of The World Games will be held in Chengdu, CHN, 7-17 August 2025.
