What in the World are the World Games?

When the International World Games Association (IWGA) announced the host city for The World Games 2022 would be Birmingham, Alabama, Hibbett | City Gear we knew we had to join in. 

Like many wondering minds, you are likely thinking “What in the world are The World Games”? Well, we’ve got the answer to that question, details on when the Games are taking place and more!

The World Games are held every four years in the year that follows the Summer Olympic Games. The Games take place over 11 days and hosts 3,600 of the world’s best athletes from more than 100 countries, competing in more than 30 multi-disciplinary sports. Over the course of The World Games, top-tier athletes will be awarded a total of 600 medals, including 200 gold medals, for each champion.

In addition to its already-notable importance, the 2022 event, scheduled to run from July 7-17, 2022, marks the 40th anniversary of The World Games and Hibbett | City Gear’s 77th year to call Birmingham home.

“It’s the Right Time” Legacy

To commemorate The World Games 2022 and its impact on the city, TWG and Hibbett | City Gear have teamed up on a public artwork project to promote diversity and inclusion. Local Birmingham artists Meghan McCollum, Shawn Fitzwater, Belinda Youngblood and Marcus Addison will create four vivid murals featuring “It’s the Right Time” messages of acceptance, kindness, teamwork and compassion throughout Jefferson and Shelby counties. 

The first of these murals was completed by Meghan McCollum at Birmingham’s Pepper Place shopping district. Characterized by a large multi-colored concentric pattern, the Pepper Place mural features “It’s The Right Time to Believe” messaging.

A second mural was recently completed at Oak Mountain State Park where several Games will be played. This massive piece of public art was completed by Belinda Youngblood and Honors Art students of Briarwood Christian School. The 12,000 square foot mural was painted over three days by more than 80 students. Each sport of The World Games 2022 is depicted in the artwork in TWG’s iconic pictogram style, as well as “It’s the Right Time to Love One Another” messaging.

“More than ever, we need positive reminders of all we can achieve when we embrace our differences and work together,” said Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games 2022. “Our goal with The World Games is not only to bring an exciting international sports competition to Birmingham but to also leave a legacy of lasting improvements to our community and state. Our legacy mural project is a big part of that effort, and we are thankful to be working with an excellent partner in Hibbett | City Gear.”

History of The World Games

Since its founding on May 21, 1980, the IWGA has grown from 12 to 37 International Sports Federation Members. The games offer a quadrennial and multi-disciplinary event in which the IWGA strives to promote the sports governed by its member federations as well as conserve the traditional values of sport.

The 2022 Games will be the first held in the United States since the inaugural event, which took place in August 1981 in Santa Clara, California. The first Games consisted of just 15 sporting events, including women’s water polo, casting, tug of war and bowling. That year, 1,546 athletes from 58 countries competed, drawing a crowd of 18,000 spectators.

Since the ’80s, competitors have traveled to countries including Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Columbia and Poland to vie for prestigious athletic accolades. 

It’s the right time to witness history in the making at The World Games 2022! For more information on the 2022 event, visit The World Games Birmingham website, and check out Hibbett’s The World Games 2022 page for images, video, upcoming announcements and more about our It’s The Right Time” legacy mural project.