Editing World Games (section)

===Twenty-first century===

In [[2001 World Games|2001]], the Games were held in [[Akita (city)|Akita]], [[Japan]] – the first time it had been held outside of North America or Europe. Several competitions were delayed or moved to an alternative venue when a typhoon hit the city. For the first time, some National Olympic Committees organised hotel accommodation for their athletes, beyond the time they were hosted by the IWGA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akita, JAP 2021|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160422/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[2005 World Games|The World Games in 2005]], in [[Duisburg]], [[Germany]], were the first World Games where athletes paraded into the opening ceremony grouped by nation. Also several standards were set in place which continue to this day, such as the television production of all sports and sports grouped by category, such as ball sports and precision sports.<ref name="Duis">{{cite web|title=Duisburg, GER 2005|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Duisburg-GER-2005-11/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref>

The [[2013 World Games|2013 Games]] in [[Cali]], [[Colombia]] were particularly noted for the large numbers of spectators, estimated at 500,000. For example, the Bullfight Ring, which was the venue for dancesport, was 'packed' for the salsa dance finals.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=Cali, COL 2013|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Cali-COL-2013-3/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064820/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Cali-COL-2013-3/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>  This edition of the Games saw the first time a competition was cancelled: due to concerns about temperature and air flow at the Del Pueblo Gymnasium, where the sport of rhythmic gymnastics was taking place, the ribbons event was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Root/ViewPdf/GR0000000_C67_Apparaus%20Ribbon%20cancelled_1.1.pdf|title=Cancelled event at Cali 2013|website=sportresult.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818152642/http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Root/ViewPdf/GR0000000_C67_Apparaus%20Ribbon%20cancelled_1.1.pdf|archive-date=18 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2017 World Games|2017 Games]] in [[Wrocław]], [[Poland]] were the first to be broadcast on the [[Olympic Channel]], to 130 countries. Both the [[Raffa (boules)|raffa]] and [[Boule lyonnaise|lyonnaise]] disciplines of [[boules]] were cancelled after a storm destroyed the venue and it could not be repaired in time.<ref name="Wroclaw">{{cite web|title=Wrocław, POL 2017|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Wroclaw-POL-2017-4/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160425/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Wroclaw-POL-2017-4/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, it was announced that the [[2022 World Games|11th edition]] of The World Games was to be held in [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[Alabama]], [[United States|USA]] in 2021, beating bids from [[Lima]], [[Peru]] and [[Ufa]], [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham, AL (USA), to be host city of The World Games 2021|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/the-world-games-17/birmingham-usa-to-be-host-city-of-the-world-games-2021-1417|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160426/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/the-world-games-17/birmingham-usa-to-be-host-city-of-the-world-games-2021-1417|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 April 2020, the Games were postponed to 2022 so as not to clash with the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham 2021 World Games moved back a year following Tokyo 2020 postponement|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1092734/world-games-postponed-2022|publisher=Inside the Games|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064823/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1092734/world-games-postponed-2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The World Games in Birmingham Postponed Until 2022|url=https://www.ihf.info/media-center/news/world-games-birmingham-postponed-until-2022|publisher=International Handball Federation|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160419/https://www.ihf.info/media-center/news/world-games-birmingham-postponed-until-2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama Moves to July 2022|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/The-World-Games-in-Birmingham-Alabama-moves-to-JULY-2022-2010|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064821/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/The-World-Games-in-Birmingham-Alabama-moves-to-JULY-2022-2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

No [[Parasports|parasport]] federations are currently part of the IWGA, but The World Games in Birmingham was the first edition to include parasports, with the inclusion of [[wheelchair rugby]]. Birmingham was also to include disabled athletes (one per gender) in [[archery]].<ref name="Birm">{{cite web|title=Birmingham, USA 2022|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064822/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/summary|url-status=live}}</ref> The IWGA is also aiming to secure a partnership with the [[International Paralympic Committee]] and include a quota for para-athletes.<ref name="Growth"/>{{rp|1}}

In 2019, it was announced that The World Games in 2025 will take place in [[Chengdu]], [[China]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chengdu confirmed as host of 2025 World Games|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1078982/chengdu-confirmed-as-host-of-2025-world-games|publisher=Inside the Games|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064823/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1078982/chengdu-confirmed-as-host-of-2025-world-games|url-status=live}}</ref>