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

1 day ago

Even as International Children’s Games President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters take their leave of Hamilton, Ontario, it has certainly been a productive and memorable visit.Over the past few days, they had the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Hamilton, while also meeting many of the individuals and potential staff members who could play important roles in the organisation and delivery of the Games should Hamilton be awarded the 2028 International Children’s Games.A major highlight of the visit was the tour of the outstanding sports facilities at McMaster University, one of Canada’s leading universities renowned for its excellence in research, innovation, student life, and athletics. The university boasts an extensive sporting infrastructure with top-grade facilities capable of hosting major national and international competitions. From athletics and football facilities to indoor courts, training venues, fitness centres, swimming complexes, and athlete support spaces, the McMaster sports precinct offers an impressive environment for young athletes to compete and interact.The delegation also visited the Ron Joyce Stadium, a modern 6,000-seat venue which opened in 2008 and is home to the McMaster Marauders football, soccer, and rugby teams. The stadium is being considered as the proposed location for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.The likely sports programme in Hamilton could include Swimming, Football, 3x3 Basketball, Athletics, Beach Volleyball, and Judo. Accommodation options are also impressive, with participants potentially housed in spacious university residences such as Les Prince Hall, Hedden Hall, and the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning, all located conveniently within the university environment.Do take a look through the accompanying photographs of the sports venues and accommodation facilities. If Hamilton is awarded the Games, it certainly looks like athletes, coaches, and officials from around the world will enjoy an unforgettable experience in a city blessed with excellent facilities, warm hospitality, and a vibrant sporting culture. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

4 days ago

International Children’s Games President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters continued their visit to Hamilton, Ontario, as part of the city’s preparations and bid discussions to host the 2028 International Children’s Games.During their stay, they toured a number of the sports facilities that could potentially be used should Hamilton be awarded the Games. One of the highlights was a visit to the impressive McMaster University sports facilities, including the Ron Joyce Stadium. Opened in 2008, the stadium seats 6,000 spectators and is home to the McMaster Marauders football, soccer, and rugby teams. The venue is being considered as the proposed site for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.The delegation also visited the office of Esther Paul, where they had the opportunity to meet members of the staff who could potentially play key roles in the planning and organisation of the Games should Hamilton be awarded the 2028 edition. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to better understand the people and operational support behind the city’s bid efforts.Beyond the sporting venues, the delegation explored several of Hamilton’s tourist attractions and experiences that athletes, coaches, and officials would be able to enjoy during the Games. One iconic destination that stands out is the world-famous Niagara Falls, located just a short distance from Hamilton. Should Hamilton secure the hosting rights, organised tours to Niagara Falls would certainly become a memorable highlight for many visiting delegations.With excellent sporting infrastructure, a vibrant city atmosphere, and close proximity to one of Canada’s most recognisable landmarks, Hamilton promises the potential for a truly memorable edition of the International Children’s Games in 2028. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

1 week ago

President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters are currently in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to advise and assist the city in its preparations for the Bid Presentation to host the 2028 International Children’s Games (ICG), which will also mark the 60th anniversary of the Games.Hamilton shares a long and proud history with the International Children’s Games. The city first participated in the ICG in 1989 when it sent a delegation to Uzhhorod, becoming the first city from the Western Hemisphere to take part in the Games. Hamilton later made history by becoming the first host city outside of Europe when it welcomed the International Children’s Games in 1994, before hosting the Games again in 2000. The city continues its strong tradition of sending youth athletes aged 12 to 15 to compete at ICG events around the world.Welcoming the President and Secretary General was Mayor Andrea Horwath, the 56th Mayor of Hamilton and the first woman to hold the position. Also present was a familiar face to many within the ICG family — Esther Pauls, City Councillor for Ward 7, who has long been a passionate supporter of the Games and Team Hamilton. Other familiar names from Hamilton include Greg Maychak, a member of the ICG Committee,Mark Wu, who serves on the ICG Technical Commission.During the visit, President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters were introduced at Hamilton City Hall, where they presented the Mayor with the commemorative ICG book. The decision on the hosting rights for the 2028 Games will be made at the Committee Meeting in Hualien in August 2026.We wish Hamilton all the very best in its bid to host the 2028 International Children’s Games. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

Today we focus on a swimmer who has competed previously at the International Children's Games who is making waves in her sporting discipline. At just 17 years old, German swimmer Milena Auer is already showing the discipline, resilience and balance required of a high-performing student-athlete.Milena, who trains with DSW 1912 Darmstadt, specialises in breaststroke and individual medley events, particularly the 200m distances. Alongside swimming, she also plays handball, believing the team environment and friendships from the sport provide an important balance to the intense demands of elite swimming.Her weekly routine is demanding. Milena trains up to nine times a week, including early morning sessions before school, afternoon water training, strength and conditioning work, and weekend double sessions. Despite the heavy schedule, she continues to balance both sport and academics with determination and maturity.One of the highlights of Milena’s sporting journey came at the International Children’s Games in Leon, Mexico 2023, where she proudly represented her city and country on the international stage. The experience left a lasting impression on her, not only because of the friendships and memories created, but also because she captured the bronze medal in the Girls’ 200m Breaststroke event.Milena shared that competing at the ICG was one of the most memorable experiences of her career so far, describing the Games as an exciting and meaningful celebration of youth sport, teamwork and international friendship.Although swimming is often viewed as an individual sport, Milena emphasised the strong sense of team spirit within her training group. She enjoys training and competing alongside teammates, supporting one another during relays and competitions, and believes this environment pushes her to improve every day.Looking ahead, Milena is still exploring what the future may hold after school, but she is certain that sport will continue to remain an important part of her life. With her positive mindset, humility and dedication, Milena represents the true spirit and values of the International Children’s Games. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

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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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August 1 - 6, 2026