International Children's Games – Youth organization of cities global friendship through sports

2 days ago

With just 115 days to go to the start of the International Children’s Games (ICG) Hualien 2026, we turn our attention to swimming, one of the most exciting and competitive events of the Games. Taking place at the Hualien County Swimming Pool, the competition will feature a total of 256 participants, including 148 girls and 123 boys, making it the second largest sport at the Games after athletics. With strong representation from cities around the world, we can expect intense and high-quality competition in the pool.The Hualien County Swimming Pool is a key aquatic venue in eastern Taiwan, designed to support both training and competition. The facility features a 50-metre outdoor competition pool and a 25-metre indoor pool, enabling it to host a wide range of events from school meets to regional competitions. Over the years, it has hosted national age-group championships, inter-school competitions and regional swimming meets, playing an important role in developing young swimmers in the region. With spectator seating and well-equipped facilities, it provides an excellent environment for both athletes and spectators alike.Swimming at the ICG has always been a showcase of speed, endurance and technical excellence, and Hualien 2026 will be no different. We anticipate strong performances from established swimming cities such as Taipei City, Kaunas, Bangkok and Seoul, alongside many other teams eager to make their mark. As the countdown continues, we look forward to thrilling races, emerging young talents and celebrating the spirit of international friendship through sport. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

1 week ago

The Executive Committee continued their visit in Slovenia to strengthen relationships with partners in the region. As part of the programme, they visited Planica, where they witnessed a remarkable moment in sport — a women’s world record in ski flying, with a distance of 242.5 metres. The delegation also visited the iconic Predjama Castle and the renowned Postojna Cave, both key landmarks showcasing Slovenia’s rich natural and cultural heritage.The visit included a meaningful stop in Celje, where the delegation paid tribute to Metod Klemenc, founder of the International Children’s Games, by lighting a candle at his grave. Although born in Ljubljana in 1934, Metod spent much of his life in Celje, where he initiated the first Games with the vision of promoting “the socialising of young people of different colour and race, who wish to live healthily, actively, in understanding and peace.” As the ICG approaches its 60th anniversary, the Executive Committee will explore ways to involve Celje in commemorating this important milestone. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

The City of Murska Sobota in Slovenia was visited yesterday by the President of the International Children’s Games, Igor Topole, accompanied by Secretary-General Hugh Waters and Vice-President Chulwon Shin. During the visit, the delegation met Stanko Kerčmar, long-time President of the Murska Sobota Sports Association and a representative of the municipality at numerous international youth sporting events. A dedicated leader, Stanko served as Team Leader for more than 20 years and was also the organiser of the last International Children’s Games hosted in Murska Sobota.The City of Murska Sobota is a valued member city of the International Children’s Games and has proudly hosted the Games three times — in 1974, 1976 and 1983. During the visit, Stanko introduced the delegation to EXPANO, a unique and insightful showcase of the region’s geographical and cultural identity. The delegation was also treated to a local specialty, the traditional Prekmurje delicacy known as gibanica.The International Children’s Games have been a symbol of unity, friendship and sportsmanship among young people for almost six decades. Founded by the late Slovenian sports educator Metod Klemenc, who organised the first Games in 1968 in Celje, the movement has since grown into a global platform for youth sport and cultural exchange.While athletes from Murska Sobota will not be participating in this year’s Games in Hualien, Taiwan, the city remains actively engaged with the ICG movement. There was meaningful discussion on future athlete participation, and we look forward to welcoming them back at the 2027 Games in Ancient Olympia and Ilida, Greece. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

With just 127 days to go to the start of the International Children’s Games (ICG) Hualien 2026, we turn our attention to one of the most anticipated events of the Games — Athletics, which will take place from 3–5 August 2026 at the Hualien County Stadium. As the centrepiece of the Games, Athletics will bring together approximately 270 athletes, including around 150 girls and 120 boys, competing across a full range of track and field events. The stadium, a key sporting venue in eastern Taiwan, has hosted numerous national and regional competitions and continues to play an important role in developing young athletes in the region.Athletics at the ICG is more than just competition. It represents resilience, discipline and the pursuit of excellence — values that lie at the heart of every young athlete’s journey. Over three exciting days, the track will come alive with speed, strength and determination, as athletes from around the world compete, connect and inspire. Events for the boys include the 100m, 400m, 1500m, 100m hurdles, long jump, high jump, javelin, shot put and 4x100m relay, while the girls will compete in the 100m, 400m, 800m, 80m hurdles, long jump, high jump, javelin, shot put and 4x100m relay. Each athlete may compete in up to two individual events and two relays, including the 4x100m relay and mixed 4x100m relay. As we count down to Hualien 2026, we look forward to witnessing unforgettable performances and celebrating the spirit of international friendship through sport. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

3 weeks ago

We are now 135 days away from the start of the International Children’s Games (ICG) in Hualien this coming August. With registrations largely closed, we are pleased to share that we will be welcoming a total of 72 cities and 1,532 delegates, comprising City Representatives, Coaches and Athletes. This truly reflects the spirit of the ICG as a global gathering of youth through sport. From the dashboard, Europe will be the largest contingent with 709 delegates from 34 cities, followed by Asia with 20 cities and 516 delegates. North America will see participation from 17 cities with 283 delegates, while Africa will be represented by 1 city with 24 delegates.Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring each sport individually, highlighting the stadiums and venues as well as the breakdown of competitors across the different sports. Do note that the number of cities and delegates may still see some changes due to last-minute adjustments or additions, but we look forward to a truly international games in Hualien. ... See MoreSee Less

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The ICG is not just a competition — it bridges cultures and promotes peace, friendship and understanding among youth from around the world.

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The International Children's Games

Chinese Taipei

August 1 - 6, 2026