Online Reporter
ACCORDING to the president of the International World Games Association, the former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry’s election as president of the International Olympic Committee is expected to bring continuity rather than major change.
“The Agenda 2020+5 sets a direction, and I don’t think it will change, at least not in her first four years,” José Perurena told Spanish news agency Europa Press. “She knows the IOC very well. She was not one of the candidates likely to produce a revolution. I believe this is a continuity line.”
Zimbabwean Coventry succeeds Thomas Bach as the first woman to lead the IOC. She has been an IOC member since 2013 and also served as Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister.
Following a period of reform under Bach, her presidency will focus on sustainability, gender equality and youth engagement.
Perurena highlighted the growing recognition of sports that are not currently included in the Olympic Games but which are recognised by the IOC.
The IWGA currently oversees 39 such sports, many of which have appeared in recent Olympics through a new system that allows host cities to propose additional events.
These include cricket, squash, flag football and lacrosse. “The red line between Olympic and non-Olympic sports has been shattered,” said Perurena.
“Now there’s a revolving door between the Olympic Games and the World Games.”
The IWGA has signed collaboration agreements with more than 20 national Olympic committees.
However, Perurena pointed out that there are still disparities in the support provided to athletes.
“If you’re an Olympic athlete, everything is paid for. If not, you or your federation must cover the costs,” he said, though he added that the situation is improving.
The next edition of the World Games is set to take place from August 7-17 in Chengdu, China.
Perurena said that preparations were in their final stages, following meetings with organisers in Madrid. Athletes will stay in five-star hotels acting as Olympic-style villages, with the largest offering 6 000 rooms.
Twelve smaller hotels will serve as satellite accommodation, and organisers have confirmed that travel to competition venues will not take more than an hour.
The ceremonies in Chengdu will follow the style used in recent Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Germany’s city of Karlsruhe has been chosen to host the 2029 World Games. Perurena praised the decision to use existing venues, which will keep costs down and integrate the event into the city.
“The philosophy is that the Games should be part of the city, making use of existing facilities,” he said.
The IWGA has partnered with the British consultancy firm Quantum to design a 10-year strategic plan.
One key initiative is the World Series, a circuit of smaller events held between editions of the Games.
With up to 300 athletes and three or four sports, these competitions also serve as qualifiers for the main Games.
Events have already taken place in Hong Kong and Chengdu, and over 1 000 cities have expressed interest in hosting future events.
“Any city can apply as long as the venue is already in place and the organisers pay for travel and accommodation,” said Perurena.
The IWGA has also established a new ethics and transparency commission, headed by an independent Swiss lawyer.
The organisation is strengthening athlete representation, with Spain’s Sandra Sánchez initially chairing the athletes’ commission. “She was the only athlete to win gold in both the Olympics and the World Games,” said Perurena.
Regarding Olympic sports, Perurena said that some fluctuation is likely to continue. “There are 28 sports in the official programme. Others, such as climbing, surfing and skateboarding, may or may not gain full recognition over time. That will be decided by the IOC assembly,” he said. — insidethegames.com/Sports Reporter.
Peter Tanyanyiwa