World Games 2022 – Archery takes a prominent role

World Games 2022 – Archery takes a prominent role. The World Games

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The World Games are an international event consisting of multiple sports or Sporting disciplines that are not contested in the Olympics. They are held every four years for a stretch of 11 days. Governed by The International World Games Association, The World Games are hosted under the patronage of the International Olympics Committee.

Fun Facts:

• The World Games were held for the first time in the year 1981 in Santa Clara, California.

• In 2015, the then-Mayor signed the agreement in Russia to bring the World Games to Birmingham.

• The World Games were scheduled to take place in 2021 but were canceled due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The World Games 2022

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After the pandemic-induced delay, The World Games 2022 finally began on 7th July 2022. The Games are spread across a span of 11 days till 17th July 2022. 

It is the 11th edition of the World Games and the second time ever to be played on US soil. The World Games are the first-ever International event that features both physically and mentally abled athletes and athletes with disabilities. 3600 athletes from 106 countries are participating in 34 sports.

Role of Archery

In the opening ceremony of the World Games, Archery took a prominent role. Birmingham World Games began a steamy day with Archery at Avondale Park. The 11th edition of the multi-sport event featured barebow and recurve field archery, and compound target archery competitions.

Oath-taking ceremony

Jose Perurena (President of the International World Games Association) selected Cushla Matheson, the head coach of the New Zealand compound team to read the World Games Oath on behalf of all the athletes, coaches, and officials in front of 46000 spectators at the New Protective Life Stadium. She is also the World’s Archery Development agent in Oceania.

“It is an honour to be here, to wear the fern, to represent Aotearoa New Zealand on such an amazing stage, to be here with our fantastic team, knowing that we have such great support from athletes and friends at home.”

“The Alabama welcome has been great, the facilities are immaculate, and the staff friendly and helpful,” she added.

“We can’t wait to be on the range shooting arrows but will certainly take time out to fully soak up the atmosphere of the opening ceremony before we get down to business.”

Along with the responsibility of her starring role at the opening ceremony, Matheson is set to be featured in the ‘HERstory’ campaign throughout the Games.

The campaign highlights the success of female athletes and their journey full of ups and downs to Birmingham with Matheson, alongside New Zealand compounders Elizabeth Randle and Lisa Walker. They are also set to be featured on video boards at the archery venue to present themselves and the sport to the world.

The opening ceremony was entitled ‘Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating Birmingham’s Past, Present, and Future’. It featured live entertainment, special effects, honorable dignitaries, and a parade of athletes representing 106 countries.