30 sports announced for World Games 2021 in Birmingham
It’s time to brush up on those korfball skills, Birmingham.
The International World Games Association has announced the official sports schedule for The World Games 2021 Birmingham. A total of 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries will descend upon Birmingham to compete in 30 sports July 15-25, 2021.
“This is an exciting time as we learn more about the sports that will be part of The World Games Birmingham 2021. They are a combination of familiar sports and a few lesser-known ones that many people will come to love,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “As we prepare to host the world in 2021, we also have a great opportunity to learn more about the incredible athletes and competition heading to our city. We’ll be ready.”
The full list of official sports at The World Games 2021 Birmingham includes:
Several of the 30 sports selected, including bowling, finswimming, gymnastics, karate, powerlifting, racquetball, roller sports, softball, tug of war and water ski, were on the docket of the first World Games – and the only other Games to be held in the United States – in Santa Clara, California, in 1981. Brmingham also will be the first host city to offer inclusive competition for persons with disabilities at the World Games.
In addition to the 30 official sports selected by the IWGA, Birmingham, as host city, has the opportunity to select up to five invitational sports to include in the program. Three of those invitational sports – lacrosse, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby – also were announced on Monday.
“This is a big day for The World Games, and for Birmingham,” said DJ Mackovets, CEO of The World Games 2021 Birmingham. “We’re excited to bring these sports – some of which likely will be new and unique to sports fans – to our city. But more importantly, we’re thrilled about Birmingham’s opportunity to shine on an international stage.”
“I’m sure this program will be attractive for spectators, both on site and on screen,” added Joachim Gossow, CEO of the International World Games. “It strikes a good balance between team and individual sports, and demands widely varying skills, such as strength, precision, control, artistry, endurance, courage and agility. We took account of all the reports on last year’s Wroclaw Games and the performance of our various federations. Now we just have to fine tune the specific events in association with our federations. We’re all set for great Games in Birmingham 2021.”
