Russia, Belarus Banned From World Games 2022 In Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL — As the World Games 2022 in Birmingham draws near, officials with the games announced that Russia and Belarus will not be permitted to compete in the games after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.

Russia was supposed to send 69 athletes in 27 different events to the games this summer while Belarus would have been represented by 11 athletes in nine events. Ukraine qualified 52 athletes for the World Games across 11 sports.

The World Games Board of Directors made the decision following the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board recommendation earlier Monday morning. The World Games 2022 is organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee.

Mayor Randall Woodfin and World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers are scheduled to discuss the decision at the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Tuesday.

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