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

3 days ago

FROM ICG ATHLETE TO THE BUNDESLIGA!What a wonderful example of where the International Children’s Games journey can lead!Back in 2019, a 14-year-old Hennes Behrens represented Darmstadt, Germany, at the International Children’s Games in Ufa. He competed not in football, but in athletics, running the 1500m and finishing fifth in the B Final in 4:42.68. Seven years later, Hennes is now a professional footballer in Germany’s Bundesliga. After developing through the youth systems of SV Darmstadt 98 and TSG Hoffenheim, he made his Bundesliga debut for Hoffenheim in 2025. He then spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at 1. FC Heidenheim, making 16 Bundesliga appearances and recording one goal and two assists. In July 2026, the 21-year-old defender signed a five-year contract with FC Augsburg until 2031. He has made an impressive start to the new Bundesliga season, featuring in all three of Augsburg’s opening league matches. Last weekend, he played in their 2–2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, which extended Augsburg’s unbeaten start to the season. From running the 1500m for Darmstadt at ICG Ufa 2019 to playing professional football in the Bundesliga — Hennes’ story is another reminder that the young athletes we see at the International Children’s Games may one day go on to achieve great things on the international sporting stage.Congratulations, Hennes! The ICG family will be following your journey with pride ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

5 days ago

Celebrating Celje’s Young Sporting AmbassadorsThe Mayor of Celje, Mr Matija Kovač, together with Deputy Mayor Mr Samo Seničar, recently hosted a reception for medal-winning athletes from last year and this year, together with their coaches.During the reception, the Mayor presented the athletes with special gifts from the City of Celje and praised them for representing their city with pride. Although still young, he described them as true ambassadors of Celje and wished them every success as they continue their sporting journeys.Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches, and thank you to the City of Celje for recognising and encouraging these young talents.📸 Photos courtesy of the Celje team. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

Celebrating Uzhhorod’s Young ICG AthletesToday, the Mayor of Uzhhorod, Bohdan Andriyiv, together with Alla Chernobuk, Head of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports, met with the young swimmers who proudly represented Uzhhorod City and Ukraine at the 58th International Children’s Games in Hualien, Taiwan.In recognition of their contribution to the development of youth sport and their participation at the ICG, the Uzhhorod City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to young athletes Oleksandr Mylian, Nazariy Mykulynets, Eva Dudkina and Yaroslava Huliy, as well as coach Daniella Muratova and Anatoliy Kolomoyets, who was elected to the ICG Committee at the General Assembly in Hualien.Mayor Bohdan Andriyiv congratulated the team, saying:“You are not just competing for medals — you represent Uzhhorod and Ukraine, showing through your example strength, perseverance and the desire to win. I wish you new successes, great competitions and outstanding results.”The achievements of these young athletes reflect the collective efforts of athletes, parents, coaches and Uzhhorod’s sporting institutions. By working together, they are creating opportunities for young people from Uzhhorod to proudly represent their city and Ukraine on the international sporting stage.Congratulations to the entire Uzhhorod team! We look forward to seeing these young athletes continue to grow, compete and build friendships through sport. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games The International Children's Games is Igor Topoleopole.

3 weeks ago

Memories of Hualien Continue in Gornji GradThe spirit of the 2026 International Children’s Games in Hualien continues long after the Games have ended!In Gornji Grad, Slovenia, the smallest city represented at the Hualien Games, Mayor Anton Špeh organised a special gathering with the young participants who represented the city in Hualien.ICG President Igor Topole and ICG Committee Member Branko Crepinsek were also invited to join the gathering.During the meeting, the participants shared their experiences, favourite moments and special memories from Hualien. It was wonderful to hear how much the Games meant to them and the friendships and memories they brought home from this international experience.The participants also expressed their appreciation to Mayor Anton Špeh and the school principal, Dr Borut Stojilkovič, for their support and for making their participation in the Games possible.This is what the International Children’s Games is all about — bringing young people and cities together through sport, friendship and experiences that remain with them long after the final competition. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games The International Children's Games is Anatoliy Kolomoyetsoyets.

3 weeks ago

Preparing for Olympia–Elis 2027: Athletics Development in UkraineThe spirit of the International Children’s Games continues beyond each Games, as our member cities prepare their young athletes and communities for the next chapter of the ICG journey.On 26–27 August, the Ukrainian Athletics Federation held a seminar on the “Kids’ Athletics” Programme in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. The programme brought together 38 school physical education teachers and coaches, who received both theoretical instruction and practical training to support the development of athletics among children and young people.Initiatives such as this play an important role in equipping teachers and coaches with the knowledge and skills to introduce athletics in an engaging and age-appropriate way. They also help strengthen the pathway for young athletes as Ukraine looks ahead to the 2027 International Children’s Games in Olympia–Elis, Greece.Thank you to Anatoliy Kolomoyets of Ukraine, ICG Committee Member, for sharing this update with the ICG family. We look forward to welcoming Ukraine’s young athletes to Olympia–Elis in 2027! See you in Greece! ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

Olympia - Elis, Greece

June 27th 2027