Philippines' Prospect: 2033 World Games Hosting

A courtesy meeting meant to be a light conversion to share common goals in sports turned into a beautiful discussion that could soon bear fruit to a daunting but achievable task of hosting the World Games 2033.

International World Games Association President José Perurena López and Chief Executive Officer Joachim Gossow gave the Filipino party led by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio a warm welcome at the Intercontinental Century City Hotel on Saturday, with the executives exchanging ideas that centered on the core values of the competition being attended by 110 nations this year in this bustling Chinese city.

But what was initially just a simple dialogue to show mutual respect and understanding of the main purpose of holding the World Games became an exploratory talk that aligned perfectly to the intentions of the organization and the agency's drive of promoting sports tourism and showcasing the Filipino brand of hospitality.

"The World Games is all about bringing together the athletes and the community for sports," said Lopez, the 80-year-old official who has 60 years of experience in his profession from being an Olympic canoeist to his present managerial job.

"One important aspect in hosting the Games is the involvement of people. You don't need new facilities, we don't give it to big cities. What we want is a host that will bring together its people and give the attendees a tournament they will always remember," said Lopez, who emphasized that the World Games is perfect for developing countries needing a stage to demonstrate their heritage and local culture.

With these words of encouragement that also bode well with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s big ambitions for Philippine sports, Gregorio could only see one direction in mind — make a bold attempt of securing the hosting rights for the 2033 edition.

"What we can offer is a game with a heartbeat," said Gregorio, with his one-line response gaining applause from the foreign executives who are equally eager to give the Philippines a shot at winning the 14th staging of the competition dedicated to non-Olympic sports.

"Well, you are one point ahead of everybody," said Gossow, who was thrilled to hear that the country could become the first Southeast Asian nation to host such a significant event for sports.

Bidding is open up to 2026, with the international body announcing the next host in the same year. The city of Karlsruhe in Germany is already in preparation for the 2029 edition which is expected to gather 5,000 athletes in 34 sports, some of which can be endorsed as an indigenous game of the hosting nation.

"We can do this for the Philippines. Imagine getting everyone involved to welcome 110 countries and give them the warmth of Filipino hospitality," said Gregorio, who was joined in the meeting by Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc. "This is achievable."

The sports chief said that existing facilities are already in place in Manila, Clark, and Baguio City to fulfill the requirements of accommodating such a number of athletes, team officials, and even their families and friends.

(from left to right): IWGA Vice President Tom Dielen, Chairman John Patrick Gregorio, IWGA President José Perurena López, CDM Stephen Arapoc, CEO Joachim Gossow, and Deputy CEO Guillaume Felli.