Nearly 1,500 young people have already expressed interest in volunteering at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama (7 – 17 July 2022). This number was given by Nick Sellers, CEO of the Birmingham Organising Committee, during last week's Coordination Committee Meeting (CoCom).
During the three-hour meeting, the representatives of the Birmingham Organising Committee (BOC) gave a comprehensive overview of preparations for the Games next year. It was the first joint meeting of the year leading up to the Games. In a joint exchange, representatives from the BOC and IWGA set milestones for this year.
Nick Sellers used the reference to the numerous applications for volunteering at The World Games as a good sign: news of next year's Games has reached not only Birmingham, but now the world. The registration database lists the names of people from a total of 60 countries, explained Sellers. The Local Organising Committee is planning on a total of about 2,500 volunteers. Officially the recruitment of volunteers will start on 7th July 2021, one year before the opening of the Games.
After the update from all departments of the BOC, IWGA President José Perurena said: "We expect an outstanding event, and what we have heard and seen now justifies those expectations. We have had to postpone our eleventh edition for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am convinced that this has not been a lost year. Our partners have used the time to achieve more for TWG 2022."
Nick Sellers was able to report that the planned construction and renovation work associated with The World Games is right on schedule. The new Protective Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, is scheduled for completion this November. Refurbishment of the Legacy Arena at BJCC is scheduled for completion in April 2022. The 13,000-seat arena will serve as the ‘field of performance’ for DanceSport and Gymnastics competitions.
Sellers makes it clear: "We want to give the people in our city, all sports fans, and especially the athletes, a Once-in-a-Lifetime experience.”
The CEO referred to the launch of ticket sales for next year as another key milestone. In preparation, the BOC's Media Department will launch an advertising campaign in March to raise awareness of the Games and generate interest in attending; “the World is Coming to Birmingham, Alabama”. Ed Fields, Senior Advisor and Chief Strategist for the City of Birmingham, announced the city’s commitment to include promotion for The World Games as part of its activities in connection with the city’s founding 150 years ago. Birmingham will celebrate the anniversary this year.
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.
