The World Games 2022 started the year as The World Games 2021. In April however, the date of The Games shifted a year, due to challenges brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 has certainly been a unique year, but a positive year for The World Games Birmingham nonetheless. The team at The Games was able to adapt and navigate the challenges the year presented, beginning and ending the year on strong notes.
“I’m so proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish in 2020,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “Our team faced challenges head on, and never faltered. Our goal from the beginning has been to make Birmingham the best-ever edition of The World Games, and we took several huge steps toward doing that in 2020.”
The Birmingham Organizing Committee has been hard at work on all of the behind-the-scenes initiatives that will make The World Games 2022 a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from securing sponsors and finalizing venues, to developing plans for transportation and accommodations. Along the way, the BOC has also shared some exciting news and announcements, setting the stage for 7–17 July, 2022. Take a look at some of the highlights from 2020!
24 January - The World Games 2021 Reveals Countdown Clock Alongside International World Games Association Representatives: The World Games 2022 Birmingham, in partnership with the International World Games Association (IWGA), hosted an event at Legion Field to unveil the organization’s newest countdown clock, which is located on the Highland Avenue bridge on the northbound Elton B. Stephens Expressway in Birmingham.
25 February - The World Games 2021 Holds Supplier Workshop: The World Games 2022 hosted a supplier workshop for local, diverse business owners throughout the Birmingham area, to promote and support its World of Opportunity supplier diversity program.
2 April – The World Games Pushed Back to 2022: The International World Games Association (IWGA) and Birmingham Organizing Committee (BOC) have agreed to postpone the 11th edition of The World Games until 7th to 17th July 2022. The Games had originally been planned to take place from 15–25 July next year.
22 April – NEW NAME, SAME GAMES: The World Games 2022: With the announcement of The Games shift to 7–17 July, 2022, organizers decided that the international multi-sport event will officially become The World Games 2022 Birmingham.
5 May - TWG2022 Top International Women’s Softball Competition in 2022: With the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announcing the postponement of the 2021 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup to 2023, the WBSC made the decision to recognize The World Games 2022 Birmingham as the top women’s international softball competition for 2022, with the winning team named world champion.
8 July - Charles Barkley Named Honorary Co-Chair of The World Games 2022: NBA MVP Charles Barkley will serve as an honorary co-chair for The World Games 2022. As an honorary co-chair, Barkley will participate in several major events for The World Games 2022, including the Opening Ceremony. The basketball legend will also represent The Games, generating excitement and community support for the global event.
15 July - TWG 2022 Birmingham Partners with NFL, Adds Flag Football: Hosted at Birmingham’s historic Legion Field, Flag Football @TWG2022 Presented by the NFL will feature eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams from around the world. As a Premier Partner of The World Games 2022, the NFL will serve as the presenting sponsor of flag football and will promote The Games across its international platforms.
30 July - Specialty License Plates Now Available: Local fans were given the chance to show their support on the road to Birmingham. Residents of Alabama can order an official The World Games 2022 specialty license plate.
20 August - Volunteer Program Presented by BBVA: The World Games 2022 Volunteer Program, Presented by BBVA, will provide a unique opportunity for residents of Birmingham and beyond to assist with a variety of needs leading up to and during The Games, including hospitality, transportation, events, and more. The bank is sponsoring the program in support of The Games, as well as in support of Birmingham, where the bank’s headquarters are located.
6 October - Protective Stadium to Host Opening and Closing Ceremonies: The new $180 million Protective Stadium, which is scheduled to be completed in 2021, will have a seating capacity of 47,100 and will host the World Games 2022 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. In addition to Protective’s role as the naming rights sponsor of the new stadium, the Birmingham-based insurance company is also a Foundation Partner of The World Games 2022, sponsoring the Athlete of the Day, Athlete of the Month, Athlete of the Year and Athlete of The Games programs.
30 October - The World Games 2022 Announces Disability Inclusion Partnership with Lakeshore Foundation: Officials from the Birmingham Organizing Committee and Lakeshore Foundation announced a new partnership that will focus on making The Games more inclusive of adapted sports, athletes, fans and experiences for people with a disability. Together, the organizations will develop and implement A Journey to One World, One Games, an initiative for disability inclusion and access.
10 November - TWG2022 Official Store Now Open!: The World Games 2022 virtual merchandise store officially opened making The World Games 2022 t-shirts, hats and additional apparel and gift items available to the public for purchase.
7 December - Dr. Henry Panion III named Artistic Director of Opening and Closing Ceremonies: In his role with The Games, University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Dr. Henry Panion will create the entire musical score for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, write and produce all the original music that will be featured, conduct the orchestra performing the music, and collaborate with all major recording artists that will participate in the Ceremonies.
16 December – Randy Owen Named Honorary Co-Chair of The World Games 2022 Birmingham: Officials announced that world-renowned country music artist and humanitarian Randy Owen joined The Games as an Honorary Co-Chair. The year 2020 was a unique and busy one for The World Games 2022, and there are plenty more exciting announcements to come in 2021. As we approach the one-year out mark, volunteer registration will open up, and soon enough, tickets will go on sale.
Exciting times are ahead.
To keep up with everything happening with The World Games 2022, visit the official website at https://twg2022.com/and follow The Games on social media @TWG2022.
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.
