Core Points - The 12th World Games will be held in Chengdu, China from August 7 to August 17, 2025, serving as a platform for non-Olympic sports to gain visibility and promote global sports culture [1][6][19] - The World Games are distinct from the Olympics, focusing on non-Olympic sports and providing a stage for athletes to showcase their talents [4][11][19] Group 1: Overview of the World Games - The World Games were established in the 1970s to allow non-Olympic sports to have their own high-profile international competition [4][6] - The first World Games took place in 1981 in Santa Clara, USA, and they occur every four years [6][10] - The World Games are considered a "incubator" and "testing ground" for Olympic sports [6][11] Group 2: Differences from the Olympics - The World Games are organized by the International World Games Association, while the Olympics are organized by the International Olympic Committee [9] - The World Games typically take place the year after the Summer Olympics, unlike the Olympics which have both Summer and Winter editions [9][10] - The World Games emphasize performance and entertainment, contrasting with the competitive focus of the Olympics [11] Group 3: Events in Chengdu World Games - The Chengdu World Games will feature a variety of events, primarily focusing on non-Olympic sports, including flag football, softball, and lacrosse, which are also set to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics [14][19][32] - Specific events include team sports like baseball/softball, lacrosse, and squash, with detailed rules and formats for each [22][29][30] - The event aims to provide a platform for sports like martial arts and dragon boat racing to gain recognition and potentially enter the Olympic program [32]

Core Viewpoint - The Chengdu World Games, starting on August 7, 2023, will feature both non-Olympic and some Olympic sports, highlighting the event's role as a platform for emerging sports and those not included in the Olympics [1][3]. Group 1: Background and Purpose of the World Games - The World Games were established in the 1970s to provide a platform for sports that were not included in the Olympics due to limited capacity [5]. - The International World Games Association (IWGA) was formed to create this non-Olympic sports event, with the first World Games held in 1981 in Santa Clara, USA [5][7]. Group 2: Project Diversity and Evolution - The World Games prioritize new and unique sports, as well as traditional strong sports that have not made it to the Olympics [7]. - Some sports, like taekwondo, have transitioned from the World Games to the Olympics, while others, like breakdancing, have been included in both events [11][12]. Group 3: Relationship Between World Games and Olympics - The World Games serve as an incubator for new sports, allowing them to develop and potentially enter the Olympic arena [15]. - The dynamic nature of Olympic sports, with frequent changes in inclusion and rules, creates overlaps between the two events [16]. - The IWGA and IOC have established a cooperative relationship, emphasizing that the World Games and Olympics are complementary rather than competitive [17].