The first edition of the World Games (World Games) on US soil since Santa Clara 1981 will feature, in its program, a sport familiar to the land of Uncle Sam: Flag Football.
Birmingham 2022 organizers, in partnership with the International Association of World Games (IWGA), the National Football League (NFL) and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), this week announced the addition of the sport.
The sport will feature eight men’s and eight women’s teams from around the world. As current world champions, the men’s and women’s teams from the United States have already secured a place for the Games. The other selections will participate in the IFAF classification process.
“We are grateful that the NFL recognizes the importance that the 2022 World Games will have as the first major international sporting event in the United States to emerge from this global pandemic,” said Nick Sellers, CEO of World Games 2022.
“The world is eager to reconnect, and Birmingham, Alabama will play a key role in that reconnection. The NFL partnership sends a signal to all companies around the world that it’s important for the world to see your brand’s association with this special event.”
As a lead partner for the 2022 World Games, the NFL will serve as the current sponsor of flag football and will promote the Games on its international platforms for the next two years.
— The World Games 2022 Birmingham (@TWG2022) July 15, 2020
“Being a part of the 2022 World Games sports program formalizes flag football as an international sport that promotes the values and benefits of the game to fans around the world,” said Troy Vincent, executive vice president of NFL operations.
“Flag football offers men and women, boys and girls of all ages, body types and athletic ability the opportunity to appreciate the values, fun and competitive environment that only sport offers.”
“We are excited for flag football to join the official World Games schedule in 2022, a competitive stage for flag football players around the world to showcase their skills,” said Damani Leech, director of operations for NFL International.
“The NFL is committed to providing opportunities for athletes from around the world to participate in football at all levels and has supported the IFAF’s work to bring the sport to the World Games, a major step forward in its long-term Olympic activities. We will closely follow the qualifying events that determine the best men’s and women’s flag football teams to compete in Birmingham.”
In its first appearance as a sport at the World Games, flag football, presented by the NFL, joins wheelchair rugby, lacrosse and duathlon as the fourth sport invited to join the 2022 World Games.
In addition to the official sports selected by the IWGA, Birmingham, as a host city, has the opportunity to select up to five sports per invitation to include in its sports programme.
“We are delighted to confirm official collaboration with the IWGA and the Birmingham Organizing Committee for the 2022 World Games, where we will see flag football in a multi-sport setting for the first time,” said IFAF President Richard MacLean.
“The best thing about flag football is that it appeals to all levels of the sport. This dynamic and exciting sport is as accessible to children as it is to adults at the grassroots level, and we hope that the elite players who participate in the World Games will be a catalyst for global growth, inspiring a new generation of soccer players and talent around. the world.”
“Football is a staple of southern sports and will be a welcome addition to the 2022 World Games schedule,” added Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
“Non-contact sports like flag football are a great way to open up competition to all skill levels. That kind of accessibility and inclusion is the goal of the World Games, providing incredible experiences and lasting memories for participants and spectators to enjoy.”
Birmingham City Council Chairman William Parker added: “Adult flag football is a very competitive and growing sport around the world. There’s no better place to showcase the 2022 World Games flag football experience than at Legion Field, ‘The Football Capital of the South’. This partnership with the NFL is just the beginning of a long-term relationship the city plans to develop with the League. ”
The 2022 World Games in Birmingham will take place from the 7th to the 17th of July 2022 and will have an estimated economic impact of $256 million (BRL 1.3 billion).
Foto: Flag Football Brasil
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