The International World Games Association (IWGA) hosted its 2025 Annual General Meeting in Madrid welcoming more than 100 delegates from International Member Federations, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Sport Organisations (NSOs), key partners, and the Organising Committees for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu and The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe.
Held just months before the 12th edition of The World Games in Chengdu (7–17 August 2025), the AGM provided an essential platform for reviewing progress, aligning strategies, and reinforcing the IWGA’s mission—to promote excellence in non-Olympic sports, support athletes worldwide, and build a stage that champions diversity, innovation, and inclusion in global competition.
IWGA President José Perurena opened the meeting, followed by a farewell video address from IOC President Thomas Bach, who, in his final message as IOC head, reaffirmed the IOC’s enduring support for the IWGA and its flagship event.
Among the main agenda items were the approval of the 2024 AGM minutes, the presentation of the 2024 Annual Report by IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow, updates from IWGA committees, and a financial report delivered by Treasurer Lukas Hinder.
A comprehensive overview of The World Games 2025 was presented by the Chengdu Organising Committee, including updates on the competition schedule, athlete services, accommodations, visa logistics, and insurance. Delegates also received a progress report on The World Games 2029, which will bring the event back to Europe, hosted in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Celebrating athlete achievements, IWGA Communication and Media Director Anna Jacobson presented the 2024 Athlete of the Year awards. Indonesian sport climber Veddriqu Leonardo earned the top honour, followed by Kristin Lätt of Estonia (Flying Disc) and Xin Tong of China (Wushu). Trophies were accepted on behalf of their respective International Federations.
Deputy CEO Guillaume Felli highlighted the outcomes of the second edition of The World Games Series, which took place in Chengdu from 28–30 March 2025. The event brought together 123 athletes from 33 countries and served as a successful test of venues, operational systems, and broadcast logistics ahead of the main Games. Felli noted that the Series—launched in 2022—continues to deliver on its objectives: raising the visibility of emerging sports, ensuring high-quality and gender-balanced competition, and deepening engagement with fans, federations, and media.
The IWGA also expressed its gratitude to all contributors—delegates, organisers, athletes, and volunteers—whose dedication makes The World Games a true celebration of global sport and cooperation.
Members of AIMS were once again active participants in this vital gathering. Their ongoing involvement and strong partnership with the IWGA reinforce shared commitments to athlete development, sports governance, and the growth of non-Olympic disciplines.
