Kaohsiung Harbor from the 75th floor of the Sky Tower (Photo by Sidra Morris)
Do you love a sport that hasn't been featured in the Olympic Games yet? Chances are that the second largest sports competition in the world might have it; the World Games. The World Games started in 1981 and are held every four years, with the next being only 20 days away. From July 15th until the 26th, over 4500 participants from 105 countries will be competing in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. With so many competitors from around the world, this will be by far the largest competition that the World Games has ever seen.
There are 31 different sports events, 5 of them being Invitation Sports (non-medal competitions). Competitions include sports that are more widely-known, such as softball which was recently removed from the Olympics, water skiing, power lifting, bowling, billiards, karate, Rugby (7s), racquetball, and rhythmic gymnastics. Also included are lesser-known sports such as canoe polo, beach handball, korfball, orienteering, tchoukball, wushu, and boules sports. There is something for everyone and the tickets are reasonably priced, with most between $3-$12 (USD) and many still available for online purchase.
Kaohsiung is a beautiful metropolis that is ready for the thousands of visitors that it will see over the next month. From Cijin beach to Shoushan mountain nature park, ancient temples to museums, a zoo and parks to world-class shopping, it is sure to fill the Games's spectators with lots to see other than sporting events.
Like many cities who have won bids for the Olympic Games, Kaohsiung has used this opportunity as a stimulus to push forth urban renewal projects, improve mass transit, and make it's city more visitor friendly. The downtown area has seen dramatic transformations, especially around the Love River at the True Love Harbor and Glory Pier, which will be the sights for the World Games Plaza, hosting cultural events, shows, and cuisines.
The city has also been working on several transportation systems to get you from venue to venue more easily. A brand new MRT system, along with other improved bussing and shuttle systems and taxi drivers who have instant acces to multilingual hotlines (including English) have been implemented. Also city-wide additions of street signs in English along with signs to assist you while shopping, sight-seeing, and sampling the local cuisine have transformed this port city into an internationally travel friendly hot spot. Add the World Games to this country already rich in beauty and heritage and you have a vacation you don't want to miss.
Comments
I hadn't heard much about the World Games previously! This is great to know about and Kaohsiung does seem like a great place to hold the games.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!