Karlsruhe, Germany, 22 October 2026 – The International World Games Association (IWGA), the Karlsruhe 2029 Local Organising Committee (LOC) and representatives of International Federations and National Olympic Committees and National Sport Organisations (NOC-NSOs) have gathered in Karlsruhe for the first Competition Managers Meeting (CMM) and NOC-NSO Meeting for The World Games 2029.
Held on 21 and 22 October, the two-day meeting brought together about 120 delegates - Competition Managers from the International Federations, NOC-NSO representatives, the IWGA and the LOC - to strengthen coordination and advance preparations for the Games, which will take place from 19 to 29 July 2029 and gather 4075 athletes, 36 sports, 62 disciplines and 260+ medal events.
The meeting provided an important opportunity for the stakeholders responsible for delivering The World Games 2029 to exchange information, discuss operational requirements and align on the next steps towards hosting the event in Karlsruhe.
Key topics included the roles and responsibilities of the IWGA, LOC, International Federations and NOC-NSOs, athlete qualification and participation, Games services, venue planning and the operational requirements of the different sports and disciplines.
The Competition Managers also took part in venue visits across Karlsruhe, while NOC-NSO representatives visited key Games locations to gain a broader understanding of the Games concept and operational set-up. These visits marked an important step in the ongoing process of reviewing competition venues and identifying any adaptations required ahead of 2029.
The meeting also introduced the five proposed venue clusters for The World Games 2029: Cluster City, Cluster Convention Centre, Cluster Europa Hall, Cluster Rhine Port and Cluster Trade Fair Centre. Initial discussions focused on the tentative allocation of each sport to one of these clusters, based on the location of its competition venue. This clustering approach will support further venue planning and coordination as preparations progress towards the Games. The proposed locations for the two dining halls that will serve athletes and other Games participants were also presented.
IWGA President Anna Arzhanova said:
“Bringing together our Competition Managers and NOC-NSO representatives in Karlsruhe is an important step in preparing for The World Games 2029. The successful delivery of the Games depends on close cooperation between the International World Games Association, the International Federations, the National Olympic Committees and the Local Organising Committee. This meeting gives us a valuable opportunity to strengthen those relationships and ensure that we continue moving forward together, with athletes at the heart of our preparations.”
Martin Wacker, CEO of the Karlsruhe 2029 Local Organising Committee, said:
“The initial feedback from the Competition Managers and the NOC-NSO Meeting has been very positive and demonstrates the level of commitment behind The World Games 2029. Now the joint effort begins to create the biggest possible stage for the athletes and to present Karlsruhe to the world as a welcoming host city. I would like to thank the international federations, the NOC-NSOs and the IWGA for their friendly and constructive cooperation.”
IWGA Sports Director Sebastian Garvens said:
“The first Competition Managers and NOC-NSO Meeting is an important milestone in the operational preparations for Karlsruhe 2029. Bringing our partners together at this stage allows us to address the specific requirements of the different sports, exchange expertise and build a shared understanding of the work ahead. The venue visits and discussions have been particularly valuable, and we will continue working closely with the International Federations, NOC-NSOs and the LOC to lay the foundations for a successful edition of The World Games.”
The two-day programme concluded with a special evening aboard the MS Karlsruhe, bringing together meeting delegates, representatives of the City of Karlsruhe and the Local Organising Committee, media representatives, partners and other guests for a cruise on the Rhine. The event also formed part of Karlsruhe’s 1,000 Days to Go celebrations, marking the countdown to the opening of The World Games 2029 on 19 July 2029.
The meeting marks an important step in the transition towards detailed operational planning for Karlsruhe 2029. Coordination with the International Federations and NOC-NSOs, as well as further venue planning and sport-specific preparations, will continue in the coming months.
The second and final Competition Managers and NOC-NSO Meeting is scheduled for October 2028, bringing together all the key stakeholders for a further coordination milestone ahead of the Games.