Birmingham is hosting the 11th annual World Games from July 7th through the 17th. Over 110 different nations and 3,600 elite athletes will be represented and compete while visiting our great city. 

The World Games is an international multi-sport event that provides disciplines that were not contested in the regular Olympic games.

It was originally planned for 2021 but moved to this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opening Ceremony- July 7th, 2022

Competition- 8-17,2022

Closing Ceremony -July 17, 2022

Birmingham is Awarded the Contract

In 2015, Birmingham was awarded the contract to host the games. The largest city in our state beat Lima (Peru) and UFA (Russia) to be the sponsors of the games. 

 Birmingham is providing some public funding and will finance the budget of a calculated 60 million dollars through private partnerships. The city has excellent student accommodation available for the athletes so the first time there will be a “TWG village”. 

The city is expecting a windfall of 224 million in out-of-town dollars to see a profit in the Olympic week.

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Many people have been involved with gaining the contract for the World Games. Edgar Welden, Scott Myers, and David Benck presented the Birmingham Bid publicly in June of 2014.

Scott Myers is the executive director of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and museum. Many other prominent businessmen and women have given time, money, and support to bring the prestigious games to town.

 As mascots, the organizers have chosen figures based on the Roman gods, Vulcan and Vesta. 

The figure of  Vulcan refers to the colossal Vulcan statue that graces the city. It is the world’s largest cast-iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States.

Venues and Sports

There are numerous venues showcasing different sports around town. The week will be full of different areas hosting countries and nations. Traffic will be different with safety for the athletics as well as the citizens a high priority.

 A few, but definitely not a complete list, of the areas that will be used for performances are listed below.

Avondale Park- Archery

Barber Motorsport- Canopy Piloting

Birmingham Crossplex-Wheelchair Rugby. Inline hockey, canoe polo

BJCC- Concert Hall- Powerlifting

Legacy Hall-Dancesport

Boutwell – Kickboxing

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium- Softball

Legion Field- Flag Football

Oak Mountain State Park- Water Skiing

Railroad Park-  Dualiton

UAB- Racketball, Squash

CBS Channel 42 will provide television coverage.

Many other areas will provide not only a place for competition, but also shelter, food, entertainment, and interaction for our many visitors. We have a perfect opportunity to extend kindness, help, and southern charm to our guests and the world.

We at the NJP hope to see you there.