Birmingham’s new mayor embracing World Games 2021

Birmingham will host the international event that showcases those sports not included in the Olympics. It’s a big deal!

Mayor-elect Woodfin recently pledged his support for the World Games, a project initiated by Birmingham’s previous mayor, William Bell. In In 2015 the city won its bid to host the event. Back then Bell called the selection “a historic opportunity.”

“We are excited about The World Games 2021 being held in Birmingham,” Woodfin said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for our city to showcase our great people and southern hospitality. Much work has gone into making these games the best ever.”

The Countdown Begins

Birmingham beat out Lima, Peru and Ufa, Russia to host the games.

The World Games will begin in Birmingham on July 15, 2021. The games take place every four years, one year after the summer Olympic games.

Unique Sports

Out of the 43 sports included in the World Games, which one of these interest you the most? Artistic roller skating? Fistball? Korfball? Flying Disc? Yeah, I have no idea but they sound cool! I can’t wait to check them out.

Traditional sports like baseball, rugby, softball and and surfing are also included in the games. I’ll be sure to share the schedule of events when it’s released.

Global Influences

Birmingham looks forward to hosting athletes from 100 countries around the globe, and the games attract tens of thousands of fans. Even though the surfers won’t be in Magic City, we’ll have the chance to welcome lots of unique athletes from around the world. Hopefully they’ll use our new rapid, transit system that will (hopefully) be finished.

Birmingham And The Games

Earlier this year Birmingham sent 40 officials to observe the 2017 World Games. DJ Mackovets, Birmingham 2021 chief executive, told Olympic blog Around the Rings the delegation represented a “full citywide commitment”.

The games don’t require any new construction to host the event, but temporary venues are in the works.

“There is certainly a lot of work to do, and we don’t have to worry about venue construction,” Mackovets said. “We just have to worry about planning with the IWGA and the international federations and focus on that instead.”