The best athletes in each sport are competing at The World Games. At The World Games, the athletes come first. So let’s listen to the IFMA Muaythai Athletes’ Commission Chair Janice Lyn (CAN) explain how she assesses the 10th edition of the event, which will be concluded this evening at The World Games Plaza (21:00 CET). At the IWGA press conference on Sunday, she said:
“It was an honor to be here. It meant so much to me and meant so much to the athletes I met. The World Games have created an amazing atmosphere. The volunteers were so helpful and the people of Wroclaw welcomed us with open arms. The venue was outstanding. And it was beautiful to see how us athletes can be representatives of our country.”
Vice President of the Wroclaw Organizing Committee Adam Roczek listened to this praise. He was also highly satisfied with outcome of The World Games 2017. He said:
“Together with the volunteers, athletes and all partners involved in this project, we have organised the most fantastic sports event I have ever participated in. Right from the start we could create this atmosphere of friendship and support.”
IWGA President José Perurena used the opportunity to speak to the media to thank the organising committee for delivering such an outstanding event. Competitions and venues were of the highest level, which pleased the observers of the IOC as well as the spectators and the athletes. He also showed his appreciation of the media coverage.
“Let me give an example. Canoe Polo, one of the disciplines of my federation, takes place since Friday. I cannot even read all the emails of people who write that they stay tuned to the competition. And the media covering The World Games makes this possible.”
Perurena stated that the event in Poland can be proud of the best media coverage ever in the history of The World Games. Adam Roczek added, that the Polish Television Station Polsat broadcasted more than 250 hours live on their different outlets. This is the biggest live exposure on TV in Poland on sports coverage. Adam Roczek explained: ”By Friday, more than 10 million people watched The World Games on TV just in Poland.”
Jose Perurena widened the scope:
“130 channels all over the world have covered the event. On the Olympic Channel it could be watched all over the world. It was stated by the General Manager of the Olympic Channel that The World Games 2017 was one of their most successful events to date.”
According to the organizers 160,000 tickets were sold or over 80 per cent of the total. The organisers assessed the ticket sales as a success as well.
But what happens on Monday when The World Games is out of town, entering the road to Birmingham, Alabama where the event takes place in 2021? Adam Roczek admitted that he will probably feel sad and empty about the end of a great time for his city. But there is a legacy: firstly in terms of the infrastructure. The World Games gave the city the opportunity to refurbish the Olympic Stadium. The Orbita Hall swimming pool was completely upgraded, and the city built a new roller track at the Millennium Park. The Vice President added to the legacy the knowledge and expertise in hosting major sports events which were achieved by organising The World Games. And there is a third legacy:
“Everyone has made a lot of new friends and we will stay in touch although these great days of sport will be over in a few hours.”
Jose Perurena postponed his final statement about the Games to the closing ceremony: ”Come to the plaza and listen to my speech,” he said with a smile.
The athletes come first in The World Games and they should have the last word too: “Thank you so much for welcoming us. I can’t wait to experience it again.”, said Janice Lyn in her concluding remark.
