Month: February 2026

 

The International World Games Association (IWGA), together with the Karlsruhe 2029 Organising Committee, is delighted to unveil the official logo, visual identity, and website for The World Games 2029. Developed in alignment with the IWGA brand framework and values, the Games will be hosted in Karlsruhe, Germany—marking the city’s second time as a host following the 1989 edition.

Located in the Baden-Württemberg region, Karlsruhe represents youth, modernity, and a strong passion for sport. Centrally positioned in Europe, the city is easily accessible from around the world, while its compact urban layout ensures short and comfortable distances between venues for athletes, spectators, and visitors alike. Karlsruhe promises a modern Games experience, supported by a population eager to welcome the world.

A temporary logo was first introduced during the flag handover at the closing ceremony of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. The interim design—featuring a heart-shaped arrangement of angled coloured stripes alongside the year “2029” and the words “Karlsruhe, Germany”—was warmly received by athletes, locals, and visitors, becoming a popular backdrop for photos and selfies.

As with previous editions of The World Games, the new visual identity reflects both the host city’s character and the shared values of the IWGA. Building on the strong reception of the interim emblem, the official The World Games 2029 logo conveys a clear message: a return to Karlsruhe, in the heart of Europe, to celebrate sport, its athletes, and the values that unite us.

The logo design consists of a logomark and logotype. The logomark prominently incorporates the IWGA trademark “W,” underscoring the Games’ global identity. Its vibrant heart shape combines red and yellow—symbolising Karlsruhe—and blue, representing Europe, while evoking unity, positivity, and passion.

The logotype offers a modern interpretation of the 1989 version. Following the design tradition established between 2013 and 2025, the year precedes the host city’s name. The text is set in dark blue, providing a strong contrast to the bright, saturated logomark.

IWGA President José Perurena commented:

“The unveiling of the official logo and visual identity for The World Games 2029 marks an important milestone on the road to Karlsruhe. Building on the strong legacy of 1989, this modern and vibrant identity reflects the values of unity, passion, and excellence that define The World Games. We are confident that Karlsruhe will deliver an outstanding celebration of sport and leave a lasting legacy for the city, the region, and the global community of The World Games.”

Dr Frank Mentrup, Mayor of Karlsruhe and President of the LOC The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe GmbH, added:

“We are particularly proud to be the first city in the world to welcome athletes from over 100 countries to The World Games for the second time. With our new logo, we would like to extend a warm ‘Welcome back to the heart of Europe’. In the summer of 2029, everyone can look forward to excellent organisation, international openness, and strong connections between sport, the city, and society.”

The Corporate Identity Guidelines for the use of the logo are now available, and the official social media channels for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe are being launched simultaneously:

• Instagram: @twg2029

• LinkedIn: The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe

For further information, media assets, and updates, please visit www.twg2029.com.

Lausanne, Switzerland – 4 February 2026 – The International World Games Association (IWGA) today announced the list of candidates standing for election to its Executive Committee (ExCo) for the 2026–2030 term. The elections will take place during the IWGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The ExCo elections represent a major governance milestone for the Association, as IWGA Members will elect the leadership team that will guide the organisation through the next four-year cycle. This period will include preparations for The World Games 2029, future editions of the event, several editions of The World Games Series, and continued collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and key stakeholders within the global sport movement.

Candidates for the IWGA Executive Committee 2026–2030

(Listed in alphabetical order)

President (1 position)

• Anna Arzhanova, President – World Underwater Federation (CMAS)

• Lukas Hinder, Honorary President – World DanceSport Federation (WDSF)

Vice-President (1 position)

• Jan Fransoo, Honorary President – International Korfball Federation (IKF)

• Thomas Konietzko, President – International Canoe Federation (ICF)

Treasurer (1 position)

• John Liljelund, Secretary General – International Floorball Federation (IFF)

Members (4 positions)

• Anna Arzhanova, President – World Underwater Federation (CMAS), if not elected as President

• Jan Fransoo, Honorary President – International Korfball Federation (IKF), if not elected as Vice-President

• John Liljelund, Secretary General – International Floorball Federation (IFF), if not elected as Treasurer

• Espen Lund, Vice President – World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO)

• José Antonio Perez Priego, President – International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF)

• Robert “Nob” Rauch, President – World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF)

• Joachim Thumfart, Director General – Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF)

• Joern Verleger, Honorary Executive Director – International Fistball Association (IFA)

All candidates have been vetted and comply with the provisions outlined in the IWGA Constitution.

The AGM in Lausanne will also mark the conclusion of José Perurena’s third and final term as IWGA President, ending 12 years of service following his initial election in 2014.

A former elite Canoe Sprint athlete, Perurena represented Spain at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. After his competitive career, he held numerous leadership roles within the Spanish Canoe Federation and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), including serving as ICF President from 2008 to 2021 and as a Member of the International Olympic Committee from 2011 to 2019.

Reflecting on the upcoming transition, President Perurena said:

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the IWGA for more than a decade, alongside dedicated colleagues and committed Member Federations. The World Games have continued to grow in visibility, credibility and institutional strength.”

“The IWGA Annual General Meeting is more than a statutory moment. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the role of the IWGA within the international sports ecosystem, our governance values, and our long-term vision for The World Games as a platform for the sports of tomorrow.”

“I am confident that the next Executive Committee will build on these foundations to further position our event within the global sports movement and establish our flagship event as a unique platform for emerging sports, innovation and international collaboration.”

The newly elected Executive Committee will take office following the conclusion of the AGM and will serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030. The Committee will first convene on 25 May during the SportAccord Convention in Baku, Azerbaijan.