President of the World Games does not rule out Birmingham 2022 hosting Ukrainians in advance to help them train

The president of the International Association of the World Games (IWGA), Spaniard Jose Perurena, will explore the possibility that athletes from Ukraine qualified for the mega-event in Birmingham, Alabama, can be received in the United States weeks in advance for training.

Speaking exclusively to Around The Rings, Perurena confirmed that she will meet with the organizers of the Birmingham 2022 World Games next Friday, March 25, starting at nine in the morning “but with no definite time to end”.

This will be the last meeting for Perurena on US soil to discuss the preparations for the multidisciplinary event, before her new visit days before the opening of the Games on July 7.

The Spanish director confirmed to ATR that the General Assembly of the IWGA will be held in Madrid on May 19, and the progress of the World Games will be reviewed again, along with other issues inescapable of the 39 International Federations that make it up.

The organizers of the Birmingham 2022 and Chengdu (China) 2025 Games have been invited to the capital of Madrid.

This IWGA Congress was scheduled to take place within the context of the Sportaccord Convention postponed in 2021 and canceled in 2022 in Yekaterinburg as a result of sanctions against Russia.

Athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus were banned from participating in the upcoming World Games in line with the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games are recognized by the IOC.

This week's meeting with Birmingham 2022 was already scheduled since last December during the previous Perurena visit, to assess the visa process in general, the epidemiological situation and qualifying tournaments.

But the Russian invasion has added an unforeseen circumstance to the agenda of Games postponed in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The president of IWGA has explained that he intends to discuss the implications of the situation in Ukraine at the new meeting with the organizers in Alabama.

“We are urging our colleagues in the Birmingham Organizing Committee to do everything in their power to persuade the U.S. Department of Commerce to facilitate the issuance of visas to participants from Ukraine.

“The IWGA will do everything it can to help Ukrainian athletes and officials participate, despite all the difficulties they face,” Illia Shevliak, president of the Ukrainian Sports Committee (SCU), told Illia Shevliak.

Perurena also wrote to each of the International Federations that make up the IWGA urging to support Ukrainian athletes who qualify

“The problem in theory is how this senseless war is going on,” the Spanish director told ATR, referring to the determinations to be adopted at all times.

It is estimated that some 60 athletes could qualify for Birmingham, but the exact figure will be known after the deadline of 31 March.

Perurena drew attention that by not competing neither Russia nor Belarus the ranking will move and more Ukrainians could get tickets.

As a rule, Ukrainian competitors who could potentially compete in the American city are enlisted in military defense units.

“Birmingham 2022 is ready to do everything possible to help those athletes.

“But of course they can't get a visa there, there is no US embassy or consulate in Kiev, they can't go out and process it in another country because they have to fulfill their duties.

“Well, we have to find a solution,” Perurena said.

The multi-sport event will take place from July 7 to 17. The program includes 34 sports with 58 disciplines and 223 medal events. During the 10 days of competition, 3,600 athletes from around 100 countries are expected.

“Our deepest condolences for the losses your community has already suffered in this senseless war. Our hearts go out to you and to all the Ukrainian people, especially the sports community. We are in awe of the courage that all your people are showing. Rest assured of our continued support,” Perurena wrote to Shevliak.

Perurena also described the first actions taken by the IWGA that has already made “a substantial contribution” to the Relief Fund created by the SCU, which brings together more than 60 non-Olympic sports federations. The manager declined to comment on how much the IWGA donation amounted to.

Illia Shevliak in her response to the President of the IWGA said that many Ukrainian athletes, including those who are qualified for the 2022 World Games, are defending their country with arms or as volunteers to help the army and people in need.

Several of the athletes have died.