The World Games

Founded in 1980, the International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization constituted under Swiss law. Made up of International Sports Federations Members, it administers a quadrennial and multi-disciplinary sports event, The World Games, which aspires to equal and exceed the importance of World Championships organized by each Member Federation individually. The principal aim of the IWGA is to develop the popularity of the sports governed by its Member Federations, to improve their prominence through excellent sporting achievements, and to conserve all the traditional values of sport through The World Games. Since its establishment on May 21, 1980, IWGA membership has increased from 12 to 37 Member Federations. The International World Games Association is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The two organizations signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding in 2016, which underlines the closer cooperation between the IOC and the IWGA.