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

Fostering global friendships through sports

The International Children’s Games (ICG) stands as a symbol of unity, friendship, and youthful sportsmanship. Founded in 1968 by Metod Klemenc in Slovenia, these games have blossomed into a global phenomenon, bridging cultures and promoting understanding among children aged 12 to 15 years old from more than 600 cities and over 100 countries. Through both Summer and Winter Games, the ICG fosters a spirit of competition and camaraderie that resonates with young athletes and spectators alike, continuing a legacy of connection and celebration.

Cover for The International Children's Games
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The International Children's Games

The International Children's Games

This is the official facebook account of the International Children’s Games started on 21st November, 2025. The ICG is an alliance of cities that pursue the common goal in organizing and participating youth multi sports events.

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S GAMES TO WORLD CHAMPION – LISA TERTSCH STRIKES GOLD AGAIN!The International Children’s Games (ICG) is proud to celebrate another outstanding achievement by one of our former participants, Lisa Tertsch of Germany, who has been crowned 2026 World Duathlon Champion in Abu Dhabi! Competing on 14 November 2026, the 27-year-old German athlete delivered a brilliant tactical performance, making her decisive move just 200 metres from the finish line to claim the world title in an impressive time of 1:22:03. Diana Isakova finished second, with Jasmijn Bakker taking bronze.FROM ICG PARTICIPANT TO OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPIONLisa's sporting journey includes a memorable chapter with the International Children’s Games. In 2013, she represented Darmstadt, Germany, at the Windsor-Essex International Children’s Games in Canada. Since then, Lisa has established herself among the world's finest triathletes, achieving remarkable success:🥇 2024 – Olympic Gold Medallist, Mixed Relay Triathlon, Paris Olympics🥇 2025 – World Triathlon Champion, Wollongong, Australia🥇 2026 – European Triathlon Champion, Tarragona, Spain🥇 2026 – World Duathlon Champion, Abu Dhabi, UAEINSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATIONLisa's remarkable journey from a young ICG participant to an Olympic and multiple world champion reminds us of the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to compete internationally, build friendships and pursue their sporting dreams.The International Children’s Games is proud to have been part of Lisa's early sporting journey. Her achievements continue to inspire the next generation of young athletes participating in the ICG.Congratulations, Lisa Tertsch! The entire ICG family celebrates your success and wishes you many more achievements in the years ahead! ... See MoreSee Less
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CONGRATULATIONS BRESCIA – EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2028!The International Children's Games (ICG) family is delighted to congratulate the City of Brescia, Italy, on being awarded the prestigious title of "European City of Sport 2028!" The award was presented by ACES Europe at the European City of Sport Gala held in Rome on 26 October 2026. This well-deserved recognition celebrates Brescia's commitment to promoting sport as a powerful platform for social inclusion, community participation, health and well-being. It also recognises the city's continued investment in sporting facilities and initiatives that make sport accessible to its community.A Valued Member of the ICG FamilyBrescia has been a regular and valued participant in the International Children's Games, providing opportunities for its young athletes to compete internationally, experience different cultures and build lasting friendships with children from cities around the world. We are especially pleased to see one of our longstanding participating cities receive this recognition. Brescia's commitment to sport and youth development reflects the very values that the International Children's Games seeks to promote — friendship, respect, inclusion and the joy of sport.Celebrating Sporting Excellence and Community SpiritThe European City of Sport 2028 title is a wonderful achievement for Brescia's leadership, sporting organisations, athletes, coaches and the wider community.On behalf of the International Children's Games family, we extend our warmest congratulations to the City of Brescia on this outstanding accomplishment!We look forward to continuing our friendship and welcoming Brescia's young athletes to future editions of the International Children's Games.Congratulations, Brescia! Keep inspiring the next generation through sport! ... See MoreSee Less
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TEAM COVENTRY – CELEBRATING THE ICG SPIRIT AND LOOKING AHEAD TO GREECE 2027! Following our earlier post on Team Coventry's wonderful Civic Reception and Awards Evening, we are delighted to share more photographs capturing the celebrations and the people who made their journey to the 2026 International Children's Games in Hualien, Taiwan, such a memorable experience!The evening was a fitting tribute to the young athletes, coaches, families, sponsors and supporters who contributed to Team Coventry's successful participation in the Games.More Than Just SportAs Team Coventry reflected on their Hualien experience, one message stood out: the International Children's Games is about so much more than medals and sporting achievements.It is about building confidence, developing resilience, forging lifelong friendships, experiencing different cultures and creating memories that will remain with our young athletes for years to come.One particularly inspiring reminder of the ICG's lasting impact came from Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jake Minshull, a former Team Coventry athlete whose international sporting journey included participation in the International Children's Games. His story demonstrates how the Games can inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams and achieve even greater heights.A Heartfelt Thank You!The success of Team Coventry would not have been possible without the generosity and encouragement of its sponsors, partners, families and supporters.We commend Coventry City Council and the Team Coventry organisers for their longstanding commitment to providing these invaluable international sporting opportunities for young people, and for continuing the wonderful tradition of recognising and celebrating their achievements.Next Stop: Greece – ICG 2027!The journey continues! Team Coventry has confirmed its participation in the 2027 International Children's Games in Greece — the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games!What a remarkable opportunity awaits another generation of Coventry's young athletes as they prepare to represent their city, embrace the Olympic spirit and build friendships with children from around the world.Preparations are already underway, and we look forward to welcoming Team Coventry once again to the ICG family!Enjoy these additional photographs from the Civic Reception and Awards Evening, celebrating the people, friendships and achievements that make the International Children's Games so special.Congratulations, Team Coventry! Here's to Hualien 2026, Greece 2027 and many more unforgettable ICG journeys ahead! ... See MoreSee Less
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CELEBRATING TEAM COVENTRY – INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES 2026! What a wonderful evening celebrating Team Coventry's participation in the 2026 International Children's Games in Hualien, Taiwan!ICG Secretary General Hugh Waters was honoured to be invited as a guest speaker at the Lord Mayor's Reception in Coventry, attended by athletes, parents, sponsors and friends. The annual celebration recognises the achievements of Team Coventry and the many individuals and organisations who make their participation in the Games possible.The evening was hosted by David Moorcroft, the legendary British athlete and former world record holder in the 5,000m.Among the special guests was Coventry athlete Jake Minshull, who recently won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Jake himself participated in the International Children's Games a decade ago, a wonderful reminder of how the ICG provides a stepping stone for young athletes to progress to the international stage!Another inspiring ICG success story is Kirsty Gilmour from Lanarkshire, who competed at the 2007 ICG in Reykjavik, Iceland. Nearly two decades later, she continues to excel, recently winning gold at the European Badminton Championships at the age of 35!A highlight of the evening was a colourful presentation board capturing Team Coventry's incredible Hualien journey — from 18 athletes competing in two sports to memorable experiences, friendships, fundraising achievements and more than 418,000 Instagram impressions!Congratulations to Team Coventry for another successful ICG campaign and for continuing the wonderful tradition of celebrating its young athletes and the spirit of the Games.The International Children's Games is more than just a sporting competition. It is about friendships, cultural exchange, unforgettable experiences and inspiring the champions of tomorrow!Thank you, Coventry, for keeping the ICG spirit alive! ... See MoreSee Less
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Team Kelowna 2026 passing the city flag to Team Kelowna 2027, an ICG tradition! Looking forward to the Games in 2027! ... See MoreSee Less
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Olympia - Elis, Greece

June 27th 2027

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