A global competition featuring modified versions of several Olympic sports was officially awarded to San Diego Friday, meaning the event will soon head to the beaches of America’s Finest City.
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly decided San Diego will be the site of an inaugural event known as the World Beach Games. The decision was approved by 204 NOCs.
The Olympic-style event will take place at a yet-to-be-announced date in 2017, after the International Olympic Committee Session in September. The ANOC World Beach Games will feature more than 20 sports. All 206 NOCs from across the globe are invited to participate.
Organizers say the event will “blend beach, active lifestyles and urban living into a vibrant mix that inspires youthful creativity and celebrates global connectivity through sports.”
San Diego won the host city honors because it’s considered the epicenter of beach, surf and extreme sports culture, and U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun says he wholeheartedly agrees with the decision.
“We’re thrilled that San Diego was selected to host the first ever ANOC World Beach Games,” said Blackmun. “San Diego has the natural capacity for hosting this exciting new event, and has a fantastic beach and sport culture. We look forward to working with ANOC and the city of San Diego in launching the ANOC World Beach Games.”
The San Diego Exploratory Foundation, an organization with a mission to promote the social and economic welfare of San Diego, has been the driving force pushing the bid for San Diego to be chosen as the host city of the World Beach Games.
“We look forward to sharing our beautiful and vibrant city with the world. As America's Finest City, we will focus on delivering the best experience possible for the athletes, their families and their supporters,” said Vincent Mudd, chairman of the San Diego Exploratory Foundation, after the ANOC’s big announcement Friday.
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In the past, Mudd has also supported efforts to have the USOC scout San Diego as a possible location for the 2024 Olympic Games.
For more information on the World Beach Games in San Diego, visit this website. The lineup of sports and dates is expected to be announced at a later time.
