How to vote - Athletes Committee Election Manual

Current composition of the IWGA AC

Until the 2025 election, the IWGA AC operates in an interim form, established as a transitional body to lay the foundation for the first fully elected Athletes Committee at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu.

Interim Athletes’ Committee (2023–2025)

The IWGA Executive Committee (ExCo) established the interim Athletes Committee as an initial step toward integrating athlete representation within the IWGA structure.

In late 2022, Member Federations were invited to nominate candidates. From these, the ExCo appointed seven athletes, ensuring a balanced composition in terms of gender, regional diversity, and sport clusters. One of the interim committee's role is to prepare the operational framework and objectives for the first elected IWGA Athletes Committee, to be formed during The World Games 2025.

Members of the Interim Committee (2023–2025)

Sandra Sánchez (Chair) - Karate - Spain
Abhishek Verma - Archery - India
Andrés Acuña - Racquetball - Costa Rica
Cat Phillips - Flying Disc - Australia
Justyna Mozdzonek - DanceSport - Poland
Matthias Hofbauer - Floorball - Switzerland
Rhaea Stinn - Powerlifting - Canada

Future structure of the IWGA AC (2025–2029)

Following the conclusion of the interim period, the IWGA Athletes Committee will transition to a fully elected body starting with the 2025 election at The World Games in Chengdu.
The structure will be as follows:

• 7 Elected Members: Chosen by athletes accredited at The World Games 2025 through a democratic voting process.
• Up to 2 Appointed Members: May be designated by the IWGA President to ensure balanced representation across gender, sports, and regions.
• Chair: Elected from among the Committee members and will serve as a full voting member of the IWGA Executive Committee, providing athletes with direct representation at the highest decision-making level.

Each member will serve a term beginning after the announcement of the election results and ending at the closing ceremony of the next edition of The World Games. This structure ensures athlete voices remain central to IWGA governance and strategic direction.

Make Your Voice Count !

Your voice matters. Your vote matters.

The IWGA Athletes Committee Election is your chance to directly influence how athletes are represented within the International World Games Association.

This year, 20 outstanding candidates - including 13 women and 7 men - are running for election. They represent 15 different sports, come from 16 countries across 5 continents, and have all been nominated by their respective International Federation’s Athletes Committees. Each International Federation was permitted to nominate up to two candidates, one male and one female, to ensure balanced and inclusive representation.

Seven of these candidates will be elected to serve on the IWGA Athletes Committee - and you have the power to decide who.

When?

• Voting Period: 03 August – 16 August 2025
• Results Announcement: By 25 August 2025
• Official Appointments by IWGA President: By 20 October 2025

Who can vote?

All athletes with an "Aa" accreditation competing at The World Games 2025 are eligible to vote.

How to Vote?

Cast your vote securely via the official online voting platform. You’ll receive a personal login to access the ballot. It's fast, simple, and makes a real difference.

Why Your Vote Matters

The elected committee will:

• Represent athletes’ voices within the IWGA.
• Advise on key decisions that affect your experience as an athlete.
• Elect a Chair, who will serve as a full voting member of the IWGA Executive Committee for the 2025–2029 term.

This is your opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, athlete-focused future for The World Games.

Voting Instruction

STEP 1 - Open the Voting Email

Open the email from no-reply@assembly-voting.net.
Check your spam/junk folders if needed. Note your unique election codes from the email, as they are required to vote.

STEP 2 - Log Into the Voting Platform

Click the link in the email to access the secure election system.
Log in using your unique election codes.

STEP 3 - Select Your 7 Candidates

Select exactly seven (7) candidates by clicking the boxes next to their names. This marks them with a cross.
Once you’ve selected seven candidates, click ‘Continue’.

STEP 4 - Review and Submit Your Vote

Review your selected candidates on the summary screen.
Click ‘Submit vote’ to confirm, or ‘Back’ to make changes.

Campaigning Guidelines 

Campaigning During The World Games 

Candidates are encouraged to engage with their peers and promote their candidacy in a respectful and fair manner. Campaigning is allowed in designated areas, with the following conditions: 

• On-site promotion is permitted in authorized areas. Candidates may wear their official badge or uniform (if applicable) provided by the IWGA, speak with athletes and their entourages, and share oral information about their candidacy. 
• In prohibited areas, only passive promotion is permitted. This includes wearing the official badge or uniform (if applicable) and responding to questions only if approached directly. 

Prohibited Campaign Areas 

To maintain a fair and respectful environment, campaigning is not allowed in the following areas: 

• Competition and Training Venues: Athlete-candidates must refrain from any campaign activities during their own training sessions or competitions. This ensures that their focus remains on their sporting performance and that the competitive environment is free from electoral influences. 
• Dining Halls: Engaging in campaign activities within dining areas is not allowed, as these spaces are intended for athletes to relax and dine without solicitation. 
• Athletes' Accommodation: Distributing campaign materials or displaying promotional items inside or outside athletes' accommodations is generally forbidden to respect personal spaces. 

These regulations ensure that all candidates have equal opportunities and that the integrity of The World Games environment is preserved.