World Games Association

World Games Association is an international multi-sport event organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, and General Association of International Sports Federations. The organization was established in 1981 by Juan Antonio Samaranch, Primo Nebiolo, and Un Yong Kim to promote and develop non-Olympic sports such as Aikido, Billiards, Boules, Bowling, and Casting. The World Games Association is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has partnerships with various international sports organizations, including the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, Fédération Équestre Internationale, and International Federation of Association Football.

● History

The World Games Association was founded in 1981, with the first World Games taking place in 1981 in Santa Clara, California, United States, featuring sports such as Archery, Badminton, Baseball, and Softball. The event was organized in collaboration with the United States Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association, and Amateur Athletic Union. Subsequent World Games were held in London, United Kingdom in 1985, Karlsruhe, Germany in 1989, and The Hague, Netherlands in 1993, with the participation of international sports organizations such as the International University Sports Federation, Fédération Internationale de Natation, and International Canoe Federation. The World Games Association has also worked with the International Paralympic Committee to promote Paralympic sports and the Special Olympics to support athletes with intellectual disabilities.

● Organization

The World Games Association is composed of various international sports organizations, including the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, International Table Tennis Federation, and World Karate Federation. The organization has a close relationship with the International Olympic Committee, which provides support and recognition to the World Games Association. The World Games Association also collaborates with other international organizations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Labour Organization, and World Health Organization, to promote sports development and physical activity worldwide. Additionally, the World Games Association has partnerships with national Olympic committees, such as the Chinese Olympic Committee, Japanese Olympic Committee, and Australian Olympic Committee, to support the development of sports in their respective countries.

● Membership

The World Games Association has a membership of over 30 international sports organizations, including the International Federation of American Football, World Lacrosse, and Fédération Internationale de Roller Sports. Member organizations must meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum number of national member federations and being recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The World Games Association also has a close relationship with other international sports organizations, such as the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations, and General Association of International Sports Federations, to promote cooperation and coordination among international sports organizations. Furthermore, the World Games Association has collaborations with regional sports organizations, such as the European Olympic Committees, Oceania National Olympic Committees, and Pan American Sports Organization, to support the development of sports in their respective regions.

● Events

The World Games Association organizes the World Games, a multi-sport event held every four years, featuring sports such as Air Sports, Archery, Billiards, and Boules. The event is organized in collaboration with the host city and national Olympic committee, such as the Chinese Olympic Committee and Beijing Municipal Government for the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The World Games Association also supports other international sports events, such as the Asian Games, Pan American Games, and European Games, which feature sports such as Aquatics, Athletics, and Gymnastics. Additionally, the World Games Association has partnerships with international sports organizations, such as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, International Cricket Council, and World Rugby, to promote their respective sports and events.

● Governance

The World Games Association is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from international sports organizations, such as the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, International Federation of Association Football, and World Archery. The board is responsible for making strategic decisions and overseeing the operations of the World Games Association. The organization is also advised by various committees, such as the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Programme Commission and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations's Executive Committee. The World Games Association has a close relationship with the International Olympic Committee, which provides guidance and support to the organization. Furthermore, the World Games Association has collaborations with national governments, such as the Government of Australia, Government of Canada, and Government of the United Kingdom, to support the development of sports and physical activity in their respective countries. Category:International sports organizations