BIRMINGHAM, AL – WIN BIG! That was the goal for city leaders as they headed to Lausanne, Switzerland to make their final pitch for the 2021 World Games. Their enthusiasm for Birmingham was heard loud and clear. It was just Thursday morning that Birmingham has been selected to host the 2021 World Games. This is a huge accomplishment for the city and goes to show that the hard work by Mayor Bell and City Councilors is paying off.
“This is just the beginning for what’s to come for our great city,” said Council President Johnathan Austin, who was a part of the delegation that traveled to Switzerland. “We came with one goal in mind, and that was to show people around the world how our city is grown, and why we would be the best fit for something of this magnitude.”
The World Games have not been in the U.S. since 1981, and the opportunity to host the games was endorsed not just locally, but nationally as well. President Barack Obama recently endorsed the city’s bid with an endorsement letter that stated: “As President of the United States, I am pleased to voice my support for the City of Birmingham’s bid to host the World Games 2021,” Obama wrote in a letter dated Jan. 15. “I believe Birmingham’s storied history, vibrant community, and thriving service-based economy would make the city an excellent host to the 4,500 participating athletes and officials.”
Birmingham’s bid was also endorsed by the U.S. Olympic Committee and national federations of sporting competitions that will take place at the games. City leaders say the next step is preparing Birmingham for this historical event. Thousands of athletes and spectators from 100 countries around the globe will converge upon Birmingham for the 2021 World Games.
