Behind every great international sporting event lies an organization dedicated to guiding its vision and growth. For the World Games Series (TWGS), that organization is the International World Games Association (IWGA). Since its founding in 1980, IWGA has worked to promote, support, and provide a global stage for sports not included in the Olympic Games. Its involvement in TWGS highlights not just its mission but also the importance of giving diverse sports—and their athletes—the platform they deserve.
Overview
| Aspect | IWGA’s Role | Impact on TWGS |
|---|---|---|
| Core Mission | Promote non-Olympic sports globally | TWGS aligned with emerging sports showcase |
| Athlete Support | Provide stage for global athletes | Gave Cheerleading, Roller, Wushu stars visibility |
| Federation Partnerships | Work with international federations | Ensured credibility & smooth operations |
| Event Oversight | Uphold standards & fairness | TWGS ran under IWGA’s guiding principles |
| Pathway to World Games | Link smaller events to The World Games | TWGS as qualifier for Chengdu 2025 |
| Global Expansion | Reach new regions and fans | TWGS Hong Kong introduced new markets |
The IWGA
The IWGA’s mission centers around one core principle: to develop and showcase sports outside the Olympic spotlight while promoting their growth, integrity, and inclusivity. Its objectives include:
- Global Promotion of Emerging Sports: Supporting international federations in expanding their sports to new regions.
- Providing a Platform for Athletes: Giving talented athletes from non-Olympic sports the opportunity to compete on a prestigious stage.
- Inclusivity & Diversity: Ensuring a variety of sports disciplines, cultures, and communities are represented.
- Development Pathway: Acting as a bridge for sports that may one day achieve Olympic recognition.
The IWGA therefore isn’t just about organizing competitions—it’s about empowering sports communities and creating long-term opportunities.
The IWGA’s Connection to TWGS
The TWGS 2024 in Hong Kong was designed as an extension of IWGA’s core mission, bringing selected sports—Cheerleading, Roller Sports, and Wushu—to an international audience. IWGA’s role included:
- Guidance & Oversight: Ensuring TWGS maintained the same spirit and principles as The World Games.
- Partnerships with Federations: Collaborating with the International Wushu Federation, World Skate, and International Cheer Union.
- Event Legitimacy: By supporting TWGS, IWGA provided credibility and recognition, helping the event attract global attention.
- Pathway to Chengdu 2025: TWGS served as a qualifying event, directly linking to The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, under IWGA’s banner.
Through these roles, IWGA positioned TWGS not merely as an independent competition, but as an integral part of the broader World Games ecosystem.
Why TWGS Matters to IWGA’s Mission
The inclusion of TWGS in the IWGA framework reflects the organization’s broader ambitions:
- Expanding Sports Footprint: By selecting Hong Kong as the first host, IWGA ensured TWGS reached new audiences in Asia.
- Showcasing Emerging Disciplines: Cheerleading, Roller, and Wushu represented the diversity IWGA champions.
- Athlete Development: TWGS offered rising stars international exposure, strengthening the future of their sports.
- Testing Innovative Formats: With fresh branding, digital-first promotions, and festival-style fan engagement, TWGS aligned with IWGA’s mission of modernization.
For IWGA, TWGS wasn’t just a new event—it was a strategic step forward in redefining how non-Olympic sports engage the world.
Broader Impact on Global Sports
The IWGA’s involvement in TWGS extends beyond the immediate competitions:
- Athlete Recognition: Stars like Spain’s Alvaro Nieto Merino (roller sports) and Brunei’s Basma Lachkar (Wushu) gained international attention thanks to the IWGA platform.
- Sports Development: National federations in smaller countries now have stronger incentives to support these disciplines.
- Fan Engagement: Through IWGA’s digital-first approach, TWGS reached younger fans, essential for the future of sports marketing.
This global impact reinforces IWGA’s philosophy that every sport deserves its stage, and every athlete deserves recognition.
Conclusion
The International World Games Association (IWGA) has always stood for innovation, inclusivity, and the celebration of sports beyond the Olympic framework. Its involvement in TWGS 2024 Hong Kong highlighted its mission in action—supporting athletes, empowering federations, and introducing emerging sports to new audiences.
As TWGS continues to grow, the IWGA’s guiding role ensures it remains not just a competition but a movement that shapes the future of international sports.
FAQs
Q1: What is the mission of IWGA?
A1: To promote and support non-Olympic sports on a global stage.
Q2: How did IWGA contribute to TWGS 2024?
A2: By offering oversight, partnerships, and recognition to ensure its global success.
Q3: Why is TWGS important to IWGA?
A3: It strengthens IWGA’s mission by expanding sports exposure and athlete opportunities worldwide.
