Lausanne, Switzerland – 19 May 2025 — The International World Games Association (IWGA) is pleased to announce the 20 candidates vying for election to the IWGA Athletes Committee during The World Games 2025, set to take place in Chengdu, China, from 07 to 17 August.
This election represents a significant step in strengthening athlete representation within the IWGA. The Athletes Committee plays a vital role in providing athletes with a platform to express their views and contribute to the governance and development of The World Games.
Election Procedure
Eligibility: Accredited athletes participating in TWG 2025
Voting Period: 3–16 August 2025
Voting Method: Secure online voting via personal email
Positions Available: Seven elected members
Additional Appointments: Up to two members may be appointed by the IWGA President by October 2025 to ensure balanced representation (gender, sport and geographical).
All candidates have been thoroughly vetted by the Electoral Committee to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in the IWGA Constitution.
The full list of candidates, including their profiles and personal statements, is available on the IWGA website:
1. Andrés Acuña (CRC) – Racquetball
2. Andrea Busa (HUN) – Kickboxing
3. Victor Crouin (FRA) – Squash
4. Loan Drouard (FRA) – Wushu
5. Anastasia Glazunova (MDA) – DanceSport
6. Bridgitte Ellen Hartley (RSA) – Canoe
7. Veera Kauppi (FIN) – Floorball
8. Eric Kindler (USA) – Fistball
9. Xiaoxiao (Sunny) Lai (CHN) – Wushu
19. Cat Phillips (AUS) – Flying Disc
11. Bryony Pitman (GBR) – Archery
12. Max Poschart (GER) – Underwater Sports
13. Julia Rick (GER) – Wakeboarding
14. Sandra Sánchez (ESP) – Karate
15. Yolanda Schmidt (AUS) – Muaythai
16. Petra Senanszky (HUN) – Underwater Sports
17. Rhaea Stinn (CAN) – Powerlifting
18. Martial Tadissi (HUN) – Karate
19. Jessica van der Walt (AUS) – Squash
20. Abhishek Verma (IND) – Archery
Due to an injury, Merynanyelly Delgado Araujo (DOM) – Racquetball , won't compete at TWG 2025 and is therefore no longer eligible for the AC election.
Each candidate has been nominated by their respective International Federation’s Athletes Committee, highlighting the diverse range of sports and nationalities represented in The World Games. Each International Federation was permitted to nominate up to two candidates—one male and one female.
The newly elected Athletes Committee will play a vital role in representing the interests of athletes and advising on key decisions that impact The World Games community.
The announcement of the elected candidates will be made one week after the close of the voting period, on Monday 25 August. Following the formation of the elected Committee, a meeting will be held during which members will elect their Chair. The Chair will serve on the IWGA Executive Committee for the 2025 - 2029 term, in accordance with the IWGA Statutes.
José Perurena, IWGA President and Chair of the Electoral Committee, stated:
“The election of Athletes Committee members is an important step in strengthening the athletes’ voice within the IWGA. Their insights are invaluable in shaping the future of The World Games, ensuring it continues to reflect and serve the athletes at its core. I encourage all eligible athletes to participate in this vital election and help us create a more inclusive and athlete-centered future.”
He added:
“I’d like to thank our Member Federations for their support of this initiative and for their continued commitment to The World Games.”
John Liljelund, IWGA Executive Committee and Electoral Committee Member, echoed Mr. Perurena’s message:
“The Athletes Committee is essential for maintaining a strong connection between athletes and the IWGA. Athletes have helped shape The World Games through their achievements, and this Committee ensures they have a voice in decisions that impact them. This election is an opportunity to ensure those voices are heard and valued throughout the IWGA.”