Students at Glen Iris Elementary kick off The World Games 2021 education program

Today marked the kick off of The World Games 2021 and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s education program, Live Healthy, Play Global. Students at Glen Iris Elementary School in Birmingham joined in on the fun this morning alongside Mayor Randall Woodfin. Learn more about the event and the program below!

Live Healthy, Play Global

The Live Healthy, Play Global program is the first of its kind. The goal of the program is to support a physically active and globally minded Birmingham, instilling in students the importance of physical activity and social studies. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is the program’s sponsor. Koko Mackin, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, explained the importance of the program:

“We are proud to sponsor The World Games 2021 Education Program. We are committed to helping programs that support health, wellness and education initiatives. This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with local schools to teach children life-long healthy habits at an early age.” 

In addition to providing students with physical education activities related to The World Games 2021, the program will also include a social studies curriculum for students and professional development opportunities for educators. The program will be test-launched in Birmingham City Schools this year and rolled out to other schools across the state next year. 

The event

250 students from the school listened to speakers including Mayor Randall Woodfin, The World Games 2021 CEO DJ Mackovets, and Koko Mackin of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Students were also treated to a hands-on experience of The World Games 2021 through activities inspired by The World Games, including rock climbing and Korfball. Energy was high, and students were excited to learn more about the Games!

More about The World Games

The World Games 2021 will take place July 15-25, 2021. 3,400 athletes from over 100 countries will compete in multi-disciplinary sports. The event will place Birmingham on an international stage. For more information about The World Games 2021, visit their website.

What are you looking forward to about The World Games in Birmingham in 2021? Let us know @BhamNow.