Election of the IWGA Executive Committee, 3rd May 2023 in Madrid
On 3rd May 2023, the delegates of the International World Games Association (IWGA) member federations will decide on the composition of the IWGA Executive Committee for the term until 2026. The elections are part of the agenda of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Madrid, Spain.
IWGA President José Perurena describes what the next three years will be about: "Since The World Games 2017, the IWGA has been undergoing a transition period. I'm anticipating that the ExCo will finish this process with the Games in Chengdu in 2025." The IWGA has given candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves through a questionnaire, and to describe how they want to contribute to this transition.
Personal expertise was asked about, and what goals they set for themselves when becoming an Executive Committee (ExCo) member. But there were also questions which refer to their vision for the Games: what makes the multi-sport event special and unique. The questionnaire with the candidates' responses has now been sent to the member federations, in preparation for the AGM. In the spirit of transparency, the IWGA also publishes the election manifesto of each candidate here.
The only candidate for President is José Perurena Lopez (ICF), who is standing for re-election. Tom Dielen (WA) and Jörn Verleger (IFA) are running for Vice President, as the current Vice President Max Bishop does not stand for re-election. Lukas Hinder (WDSF) is standing for re-election as Treasurer. For the four other positions on the ExCo, the following are in the ballot: Anna Arzhanova (CMAS), Volker Bernardi (WFDF), and Jan Fransoo (IKF) for re-election and John Liljelund (IFF), Jose Antonio Perez Priego (IWWF), Pablo Felipe Serna Cardenas (WSF) and Joachim Thumfart (JJIF) as new candidates for the ExCo.
A look at the responses given by each candidate reveals many commonalities: for example, the concepts of sustainability and inclusiveness are mentioned as qualities of The World Games. As a further challenge for the future, many candidates look for greater (media) awareness for the Games, but above all for the athletes. The fact that for many participants The World Games is the most important event in their sport plays a role here. The Games are the platform for non-Olympic sports and disciplines and a stage for new and emerging sports. This reference was made very often too. Increasing the importance of The World Games is a concern of all the candidates.
Despite all the similarities, there are differences in terms of priorities: amongst other things, these include cooperation with the National Sports Organisations or National Olympic Committees, cooperation with the host city, the establishment of a grassroots movement in the individual cities and support for the member federations through the IWGA.
President José Perurena describes what The World Games is all about like this: "The best event you can find in the world of sport, if you want to host trend-setting, inspiring multi-sport Games at reliable cost."
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 in 2025.
