Crowds packed into the Protective Stadium in Birmingham to witness the beginning of the 2022 World Games in the United States ©The World Games

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The World Games, set to take place from July 7 to 17, was postponed by 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic ©The World Games
The World Games, set to take place from July 7 to 17, was postponed by 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic ©The World Games
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin addressed athletes and spectators during the Opening Ceremony ©The World Games 2022
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin addressed athletes and spectators during the Opening Ceremony ©The World Games 2022
3,600 competitors from 110 countries are set to compete in 206 medal events in 30 sports that do not currently feature on the Olympic programme ©The World Games
3,600 competitors from 110 countries are set to compete in 206 medal events in 30 sports that do not currently feature on the Olympic programme ©The World Games
Woodfin had previously helped carry the United States flag into the stadium at the end of a 44-day journey from Washington DC alongside military veteran Noah Galloway, honorary World Games 2022 co-chairman ©The World Games
Woodfin had previously helped carry the United States flag into the stadium at the end of a 44-day journey from Washington DC alongside military veteran Noah Galloway, honorary World Games 2022 co-chairman ©The World Games
There were an estimated 27,000 fans present at the launch event ©The World Games
There were an estimated 27,000 fans present at the launch event ©The World Games
Birmingham 2022 is the second time that the United States has hosted the World Games after it staged the inaugural edition in Santa Clara in 1981 ©The World Games
Birmingham 2022 is the second time that the United States has hosted the World Games after it staged the inaugural edition in Santa Clara in 1981 ©The World Games
The Games' mascots, Vulcan and Vesta, made an appearance after they were selected due to their symbolism of Birmingham's history of iron and steel production ©The World Games
The Games' mascots, Vulcan and Vesta, made an appearance after they were selected due to their symbolism of Birmingham's history of iron and steel production ©The World Games
Birmingham 2022 is set to be the biggest World Games to date in terms of sports, nations, and athletes ©The World Games
Birmingham 2022 is set to be the biggest World Games to date in terms of sports, nations, and athletes ©The World Games
China is set to host the next World Games in Chengdu in 2025 for the first time in its history ©The World Games
China is set to host the next World Games in Chengdu in 2025 for the first time in its history ©The World Games