What in the World are the World Games?

We just got word that the United States, specifically Birmingham, Alabama, is going to play host to the 2021 World Games. Pretty neat, right? Right. But what exactly are the World Games?

IWGA President Jose Perurena announces Birmingham, Alabama as host city of the 2021 World Games.

The World Games are basically the Olympic Games for “non-traditional” sports, a.k.a all of those crazy, ridiculously awesome sports that like, you found out one kid in your high school class participated in during one of those “two truths and a lie” ice breakers. There are 31 different sports played at the World Games in the following categories: Artistic & Dance Sports, Ball Sports, Martial Arts, Precision Sports, Strength Sports, Trend Sports, and Invitational Sports. The city of Wroclaw, Poland will play host to the 10th World Games in 2017. 

In honor of this momentous occasion for Alabama, here are Power Forward’s Top 5 Sports You Can Only Find at the World Games:

1. Sumo–a competitive wrestling sport where one rikishi (wrestler) forces another outside of the ring using anything but the soles of his or her feet. Endō Shōta and Ichinojō Takashi are widely regarded as the best rikishis in the world.

Sumo wrestlers participate in the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia.

2. Tug of War- A team event, the Tug of War is one of the most popular of the World Games. There’s even a governing body called the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), which sets rules and standards. As of 2008 there are 53 countries associated with TWIF, among which are Scotland, Ireland, England, India, Switzerland, Belgium, and the United States.

3. DanceSport– DanceSport is a combination of compeititve ballroom, cheer, and gymnastics. Check out this footage of the 2013 DanceSport World Championships:

4. Surfing– Although surfing hasn’t officially made an appearnce at the World Games, the governing body is optimistic about including it in the future. Conditions for this sport are very fickle, so having the perfect wave is crucial for a successful event.

5. Orienteering –Arguably the most complete challenge of a sport, orienteering requires athletes to not only run, but decipher the fastest route between checkpoints on a course using a compass and map. No smartphones allowed! Orienteering was an event at the 2013 World Games.