(ATR) International World Games Association President Jose Perurena is in Birmingham, Alabama with fellow IWGA leaders for the first Coordination Commission visit to the host city of the 2021 World Games.
The commission visit began on Dec. 14 and consists of a "very comprehensive" agenda, according to Perurena. Perurena is joined in Birmingham by IWGA Vice President Max Bishop, Honorary President Ron Froehlich and CEO Joachim Gossow, as well as Birmingham 2021 CEO DJ Mackovets and Foundation Board President Jonathan Porter.
"The main objective is related to the Organizing Committee, the sports program and the invitational sports," Perurena said in a statement. "Also, we will visit all the sports facilities that can be used for the Games."
Despite Perurena's statement, Around the Rings is told that no venue tours are taking place during the four-day visit. Instead, daily meetings, a cocktail reception and dinner on Dec. 15 and other activities will take place.
While Birmingham 2021 has yet to identify the specific sports venues it will use for the World Games, facilities from several colleges in the area including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University and Birmingham Southern College could be utilized.
Birmingham’s Legion Field Stadium is expected to be used for the Opening Ceremony of the event. Opened in 1927, the 71,000 seat venue once held matches for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic football tournament and is home to the UAB Blazers college football team.
More than 3,500 athletes from more than 100 countries could descend upon Legion Field on July 15, 2021 for the opening ceremony.
During the visit, IWGA leadership will also meet with new Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. IWGA President Perurena is confident Woodfin supports the World Games project, as evidenced by the mayor’s recent comments.
"We are excited about The World Games 2021 being held in Birmingham," Mayor Woodfin said. "This is a great opportunity for our city to showcase our great people and southern hospitality. Much work has already gone into making these Games the best ever."
The first Coordination Commission visit will conclude on Dec. 17, leaving organizers with less than four years to finalize the sports program, venue list and operational plan for the event. The 2021 World Games will be the first held in the United States since the inaugural edition in 1981.
The Birmingham 2021 World Games will be staged from July 15-25.
Vote now for your favorite sports city! The Sports City Poll closes Dec. 31. The poll ranks the top 50 cities most strongly associated with sport. Results January 2018.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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