On June 3, the Birmingham Organising Committee for The World Games 2022 announced that former United States Army Sergeant and Birmingham native Noah Galloway has joined The World Games 2022 as an Honorary Co-Chair, while also announcing that Drummond Company, Inc., a Birmingham-based mining company, has been named Presenting Sponsor of The World Games 2022’s Disability Inclusion and Access Initiative known as ‘A Journey to One World, One Games.’
The Initiative, in partnership with Lakeshore Foundation of Birmingham, aims to present an event that embraces inclusivity and accessibility for athletes and fans alike, and establish a legacy of disability inclusion in multi-sports events. Galloway will serve as the initiative’s official spokesperson.
For athletes with a disability, The World Games 2022 will ensure that athlete’s experiences, communications, and services are inclusive and accessible, encouraging a universal design framework.
Initiatives for fans in attendance with a disability will include accessibility driven spectator services, on-site accessibility services, and customer service hotline via the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability.
“The World Games 2022 is dedicated to the development and implementation of ‘A Journey to One World, One Games’, an initiative for disability inclusion and access,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “The initiative, in partnership with Lakeshore Foundation, will focus on four primary strategic priorities – establishing a diverse and representative steering committee; creating an inclusive and accessible athlete experience; enhancing accessibility and inclusion for fans; and developing a training and education program for staff, volunteers and partners.”
In addition to serving as spokesman for the initiative, Galloway will participate in several events, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. He will also represent, support, and promote the message and mission of The World Games 2022.
After enlisting in the U.S. Army following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Galloway was severely injured during an IED attack in Yusafiah, Iraq on December 19, 2005.
The attack led to Galloway losing his left arm above the elbow and his left leg above the knee.
After returning from deployment, Galloway participated in fitness competitions across the country, began a career as a motivational speaker and appeared on the cover of Men’s Health Magazine in 2014, earning the title of ‘The Ultimate Guy.’ His “No Excuses Charitable Fund” raises money and awareness for organizations that support fitness, wellness and inspiring others to enlist healthy habits in their daily lives.
He also appeared on multiple reality competition TV shows, placing third on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars and leading his team to victory on the first season of Fox’s American Grit.
“I’m honored to be joining The World Games 2022 family,” Galloway said. “This event represents an incredible opportunity for Birmingham, but it’s much more than that. The commitment The World Games 2022 has made to disability inclusion is something to be extremely proud of. I’m excited to witness the athleticism and dedication of these athletes from around the world.”
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in The World Games.
