At the IWGA Annual General Meeting, seven international federations applied for membership of the IWGA. In all cases, the assembly voted against them becoming members. IWGA President José Perurena explains in an interview that he will continue to work on increasing The World Games family, for the benefit both of the event and of the member federations.
How do you feel after the Annual General Meeting yesterday?
”Frankly speaking I was frustrated, because of the outcome, which I had not expected. But now it’s time to move on and head for the future. Being denied once does not mean that it’s for all time. What we will do, is: we will start conversations with our member federations, and I will talk with the applicants. I am convinced that we will find a way forward.”
Why do you think the vote went as it did?
“I can understand that some federations were concerned about their place on the programme of The World Games. If we want to see it in a positive light, it means it’s of value to be showcased at our event. Even more so since the IOC recognised us as a partner, and the Olympic Channel will broadcast the TWG 2017 in Wroclaw.
What has to be communicated is that granting a federation membership in the IWGA does not automatically guarantee them a spot in the sports programme of The World Games. Each federation has to apply for its disciplines and fulfil the criteria for participation. And we have to make clear: many of the applicant federations would have a lot to give to The World Games and to the existing members, e.g. in terms of exposure and TV coverage.”
How will you continue?
“We are first and foremost thinking about the upcoming World Games in Wroclaw, Poland and preparing for them. It’s going to be a spectacular event. Alongside that, we’ll continue our discussions about the future strategy of the IWGA with our member federations and with the applicants.
Also the IOC and other partners are interested in what we are doing and how we develop, because they expect us to set the stage for new sports which bring in new audiences and attract young people. If you consider this, we must be open for more diversity and new ideas. I am pretty sure we will be able to convince our member federations that it’s for the benefit of the event, and to get each federation to regard us not as a closed club, but as a family which is open to welcoming new members.”
