The Second WPA Heyball U19 World Championship Hosted in Gold Coast, Fueling Olympic Dream

Core Viewpoint - The "Liber Win & JOY Cup" WPA Heyball U19 World Championship marks a significant step in globalizing Heyball, a sport originating from China, and aims to foster its growth over the coming decades [3][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The championship features 56 young players from 20 nations, including Australia, Canada, and South Africa, competing in Gold Coast [1]. - The event runs from June 20th to 24th, 2025, and is seen as a new chapter for Heyball on the world stage [6]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Funding - JOY Billiards has initiated a strategic partnership with the WPA, which began in 2024 with over $6 million in funding aimed at developing a worldwide tournament structure for Heyball [4]. - This championship serves as the premier WPA-certified youth event and is crucial for Heyball's Olympic aspirations [4]. Group 3: Cultural and Developmental Impact - Heyball is described as a "shared sporting language" that connects diverse cultures, with a growing passion among global youth [4]. - The WPA supports Heyball's Olympic dream, emphasizing its rapid growth and cultural value, which aligns with the Olympic spirit [5]. - Youth tournaments are essential for nurturing talent and serve as a foundation for a talent development system in Heyball [5].