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7 days ago

With just 95 days to go to the start of the International Children’s Games (ICG) Hualien 2026, we turn our attention to football, one of the most competitive sports at the Games. Known for its high standards of play and strong spectator appeal, football consistently draws large crowds and delivers exciting, closely contested matches. This year’s competition will take place at Hualien Mei Lun Junior High School on an artificial turf pitch certified by FIFA, providing an excellent setting for top-level youth football. Interest in the sport is further heightened as 2026 is also a World Cup year, with the tournament taking place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, generating even greater global excitement around football.Approximately 193 (124 boys and 69 girls) participants will compete in the football competition this year. The boys’ competition will feature 16 teams, while 9 teams will compete in the girls’ category. Defending champions Plock (boys) and Bratislava (girls) will both return to defend their titles. At the previous edition of the Games, the boys’ podium saw Plock take first place, followed by Bangkok in second and Siauliai in third, while the girls’ competition was won by Bratislava, with Reykjavik finishing second and host city Tallinn securing third. With strong teams returning and new challengers emerging, we can expect another highly competitive and entertaining football tournament in Hualien. ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

3 weeks ago

The 59th International Children’s Games “Olympia – Ilida 2027” continues to gather strong momentum following a joint meeting of the Board of Directors, Informative Committee and Organising Committee held at the Ancient Olympia City Hall.The meeting reflected a shared commitment and unity between the municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Ilida, as both cities work closely together to deliver a Games of global significance rooted in their rich heritage. Leading the discussions were Mayor Aristides Panagiotopoulos of Ancient Olympia and Mayor Christos Christodoulopoulos of Ilida, supported by key officials, committee members and partners.Detailed operational and technical plans were reviewed, with clear timelines established for upcoming milestones. A key focus is the official presentation at the International Children’s Games Hualien 2026 in Taiwan, where Olympia and Ilida will receive the Games flag as the next host cities.Beyond sport, the vision for Olympia – Ilida 2027 is to create a meaningful international platform that celebrates Olympism and the values of peace, friendship and cultural exchange. The Games aim to leave a lasting legacy through youth development, infrastructure and global connections.Both municipalities remain fully aligned and committed to delivering an outstanding edition of the International Children’s Games in 2027.(Information and pictures by Nikos Tzanakos, Exec Comm of the ICG) ... See MoreSee Less

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The International Children's Games

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

1 month 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

Chinese Taipei

August 1 - 6, 2026