The first edition of the World Games on American soil since 1981 has added flag football to its lineup for the 2022 games in Birmingham.
The World Games 2022 Birmingham has partnered with the International World Games Association, National Football League and International Federation of American Football (IFAF) to add flag football to a lineup that includes 32 multi-disciplinary sports.
Hosted at Legion Field, the sport will feature eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams from around the world. As the current reigning world champions, the United States men’s and women’s teams both pre-qualify for The World Games 2022. The remaining teams will be selected through the IFAF qualifying process.
As a premier partner of the games, the NFL will serve as the presenting sponsor and will promote the games across its international platforms for the next two years.
“Being a part of the sports program in The World Games 2022 formalizes flag football as an international sport, which promotes the values and benefits of the game to fans around the world,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. “Flag football affords men and women, boys and girls, of all ages, body type and athletic skill the opportunity to enjoy the values, fun and competitive environment that only football offers.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin adds, “Non-contact sports like flag football are a great way to open up competition to all skill levels. That type of accessibility and inclusion is what The World Games is all about, providing incredible experiences and lasting memories for participants and spectators to enjoy. Birmingham can’t wait for the world to join us in 2022.”
Featuring 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries, this international event will attract global fans to the Birmingham community. The World Games will be held in more than 25 venues around the greater metropolitan area. The games will be held July 7-17, 2022 and is expected to generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact.
