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

5 days ago

From ICG Windsor 2013 to European Champion 2026 – Congratulations, Lisa Tertsch!The International Children's Games community is celebrating another remarkable achievement by a former ICG athlete .Lisa, who represented Darmstadt, Germany at the Windsor International Children's Games in 2013, has added another major title to her growing list of accomplishments by winning Gold at the 2026 European Triathlon Championships in Spain.Her success comes just two years after she became an Olympic Gold Medallist as a key member of Germany's victorious Mixed Relay team at the 2024 Olympic Games.Lisa's journey perfectly embodies the spirit of the International Children's Games — young athletes developing their talents, building international friendships, and going on to achieve excellence on the world stage.From competing as a teenager at Windsor 2013 to standing atop European and Olympic podiums, Lisa continues to inspire the next generation of athletes around the world.Congratulations, Lisa! The entire ICG family is proud of you and wishes you continued success in the years ahead. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

A Proud Moment for Team KelownaWith just 57 days to go until the International Children’s Games in Hualien, Taiwan, cities around the world are stepping up their preparations for the Games. In Kelowna, Canada, one of the most meaningful milestones on the journey took place on 4 June at Stuart Park, where Team Kelowna athletes and coaches were presented with their coveted team uniforms in the presence of Mayor Tom Dyas, Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo President Brian Hillaby, family members and supporters.The uniform presentation ceremony is a proud tradition for many ICG cities. More than simply receiving their competition attire, it is a moment for young athletes to recognise the privilege and responsibility of representing their city on the international stage. Team Kelowna will send a delegation of 17 athletes and 4 coaches to Hualien to compete in Archery, 3x3 Basketball, Taekwondo and Tennis, with Archery making its debut for the city at the Games. The delegation will be led by City Representative Betty Bagi and Team Manager Arielle Friesen, with support from Lance Macdonald, President of the Kelowna ICG Committee.Kelowna has a proud history within the International Children’s Games movement, having participated in every edition since hosting the first non-European Winter Games in 2011. The athletes travelling to Hualien will join a distinguished list of more than 335 alumni athletes and 84 alumni coaches who have represented Kelowna across 17 previous ICG Games. We wish Team Kelowna every success as they continue their preparations and look forward to welcoming them to Hualien in August. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

2 weeks ago

🏅 Blast From the Past – Kaunas 2017 🇱🇹The 51st International Children's Games in Kaunas, Lithuania, marked a historic milestone as the first Lithuanian city to host the ICG in 2017.Leading the Organising Committee was Vyginta Poderytė, who had only joined the city's sports division in 2016. Despite it being her first experience organising an event of this scale, she helped deliver a truly memorable Games. One of her fondest memories was seeing young athletes, coaches and officials from cities around the world come together in friendship and competition, creating an atmosphere that inspired the entire city.Athletes competed in sailing, athletics, swimming, judo, football, table tennis and beach volleyball, while the people of Kaunas embraced the Games with tremendous pride and enthusiasm.Today, Vyginta continues her ICG journey as a member of the ICG Committee, helping to shape future editions of the Games and create memorable experiences for children around the world. Kaunas also remains an active member of the ICG Family and will be represented at the 2026 ICG in Hualien, competing in Track & Field, Swimming, Taekwondo and 3x3 Basketball.From hosting Lithuania's first ICG to helping guide the movement today, Kaunas and Vyginta remain an important part of the International Children's Games story. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

3 weeks ago

With just 67 days remaining until the start of the International Children’s Games in Hualien on 1 August 2026, excitement continues to build around the world as cities prepare to send their young athletes to Taiwan for this global celebration of youth sport and friendship.One city already generating excitement is Chatham, Canada, where the Chatham Pool Sharks International Swim Team was recognised by the Mayor’s Office during a recent Council Meeting, alongside four members of the Wildcats delegation, as Team Chatham prepares for the journey to Hualien. The Chatham Pool Sharks have built a strong reputation in youth swimming development, producing talented young swimmers who regularly compete at regional and national level competitions in Canada. Their participation at the International Children’s Games reflects the dedication and hard work of both the athletes and coaches, and it was clearly a proud moment for the 11 young athletes selected to represent their city and country on the international stage.The International Children’s Games continues to provide young athletes with opportunities not only to compete at a high level, but also to build friendships, experience new cultures and create lifelong memories through sport. We wish Team Chatham all the very best as they prepare for Hualien 2026.(Information adapted from the Chatham Pool Sharks International Swim Team facebook page) ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

3 weeks ago

Blast from the PastOne of the unique traditions of hosting the International Children’s Games is that many host cities leave behind a lasting legacy — often in the form of a sculpture, artwork, or commemorative artifact — so that the city will always remember that it once welcomed the world through the ICG.One such piece can still be found in Lanarkshire, Scotland, host of the 45th ICG Games in 2011. One person who has a particularly strong attachment to this artifact is Hugh Waters, Secretary General of the ICG. Back in 2011, Hugh played a key role in the hosting of the Games in Lanarkshire, and seeing this sculpture today brings back many fond memories of what was a very special edition of the ICG.The sculpture itself is fascinating. The silhouettes appear to depict multiple sporting disciplines in motion — almost like a flowing timeline of athletes moving across the steel panel. The overall form resembles a wave, flame, or banner, beautifully capturing themes of movement, youth, friendship, and unity that have always defined the ICG spirit.The weathered corten steel style is also very characteristic of Scottish civic public art from that era, blending naturally into the surrounding landscape while standing proudly as a quiet reminder of the Games that once brought the world’s young athletes to Lanarkshire.A wonderful reminder that while the Games may last only a few days, the memories, friendships, and legacy forged through the ICG can endure for generations. ... See MoreSee Less

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August 1 - 6, 2026