The International Children's Games

A Proud Moment for Team Kelowna

With just 57 days to go until the International Children’s Games in Hualien, Taiwan, cities around the world are stepping up their preparations for the Games. In Kelowna, Canada, one of the most meaningful milestones on the journey took place on 4 June at Stuart Park, where Team Kelowna athletes and coaches were presented with their coveted team uniforms in the presence of Mayor Tom Dyas, Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo President Brian Hillaby, family members and supporters.

The uniform presentation ceremony is a proud tradition for many ICG cities. More than simply receiving their competition attire, it is a moment for young athletes to recognise the privilege and responsibility of representing their city on the international stage. Team Kelowna will send a delegation of 17 athletes and 4 coaches to Hualien to compete in Archery, 3x3 Basketball, Taekwondo and Tennis, with Archery making its debut for the city at the Games. The delegation will be led by City Representative Betty Bagi and Team Manager Arielle Friesen, with support from Lance Macdonald, President of the Kelowna ICG Committee.

Kelowna has a proud history within the International Children’s Games movement, having participated in every edition since hosting the first non-European Winter Games in 2011. The athletes travelling to Hualien will join a distinguished list of more than 335 alumni athletes and 84 alumni coaches who have represented Kelowna across 17 previous ICG Games. We wish Team Kelowna every success as they continue their preparations and look forward to welcoming them to Hualien in August.

🏅 Blast From the Past – Kaunas 2017 🇱🇹

The 51st International Children's Games in Kaunas, Lithuania, marked a historic milestone as the first Lithuanian city to host the ICG in 2017.

Leading the Organising Committee was Vyginta Poderytė, who had only joined the city's sports division in 2016. Despite it being her first experience organising an event of this scale, she helped deliver a truly memorable Games. One of her fondest memories was seeing young athletes, coaches and officials from cities around the world come together in friendship and competition, creating an atmosphere that inspired the entire city.

Athletes competed in sailing, athletics, swimming, judo, football, table tennis and beach volleyball, while the people of Kaunas embraced the Games with tremendous pride and enthusiasm.

Today, Vyginta continues her ICG journey as a member of the ICG Committee, helping to shape future editions of the Games and create memorable experiences for children around the world. Kaunas also remains an active member of the ICG Family and will be represented at the 2026 ICG in Hualien, competing in Track & Field, Swimming, Taekwondo and 3x3 Basketball.

From hosting Lithuania's first ICG to helping guide the movement today, Kaunas and Vyginta remain an important part of the International Children's Games story.

With just 67 days remaining until the start of the International Children’s Games in Hualien on 1 August 2026, excitement continues to build around the world as cities prepare to send their young athletes to Taiwan for this global celebration of youth sport and friendship.

One city already generating excitement is Chatham, Canada, where the Chatham Pool Sharks International Swim Team was recognised by the Mayor’s Office during a recent Council Meeting, alongside four members of the Wildcats delegation, as Team Chatham prepares for the journey to Hualien. The Chatham Pool Sharks have built a strong reputation in youth swimming development, producing talented young swimmers who regularly compete at regional and national level competitions in Canada. Their participation at the International Children’s Games reflects the dedication and hard work of both the athletes and coaches, and it was clearly a proud moment for the 11 young athletes selected to represent their city and country on the international stage.

The International Children’s Games continues to provide young athletes with opportunities not only to compete at a high level, but also to build friendships, experience new cultures and create lifelong memories through sport. We wish Team Chatham all the very best as they prepare for Hualien 2026.
(Information adapted from the Chatham Pool Sharks International Swim Team page)

Blast from the Past

One of the unique traditions of hosting the International Children’s Games is that many host cities leave behind a lasting legacy — often in the form of a sculpture, artwork, or commemorative artifact — so that the city will always remember that it once welcomed the world through the ICG.

One such piece can still be found in Lanarkshire, Scotland, host of the 45th ICG Games in 2011. One person who has a particularly strong attachment to this artifact is Hugh Waters, Secretary General of the ICG. Back in 2011, Hugh played a key role in the hosting of the Games in Lanarkshire, and seeing this sculpture today brings back many fond memories of what was a very special edition of the ICG.

The sculpture itself is fascinating. The silhouettes appear to depict multiple sporting disciplines in motion — almost like a flowing timeline of athletes moving across the steel panel. The overall form resembles a wave, flame, or banner, beautifully capturing themes of movement, youth, friendship, and unity that have always defined the ICG spirit.

The weathered corten steel style is also very characteristic of Scottish civic public art from that era, blending naturally into the surrounding landscape while standing proudly as a quiet reminder of the Games that once brought the world’s young athletes to Lanarkshire.

A wonderful reminder that while the Games may last only a few days, the memories, friendships, and legacy forged through the ICG can endure for generations.

From the city of Hamilton, which is preparing its bid to host the International Children’s Games during the landmark 60th anniversary celebrations in 2028, we now turn our attention to the hosts of the 2027 Games — the cities of Ancient Olympia and Ilida in Greece.

A significant working meeting for OLYMPIA – ILIDA 2027 was recently held with the Deputy Minister of Sports of Greece, Mr. Yiannis Vroutsis. Present at the meeting were the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, Aris Panagiotopoulos, the Mayor of Ilida, Christos Christodoulopoulos, Member of Parliament for Laconia Neoklis Kritikos, who coordinated the meeting, as well as the five Members of Parliament representing the prefecture of Ilia from across the political spectrum of the Hellenic Parliament — Andreas Nikolakopoulos, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Michalis Katrinis, Dionysis Kalamatianos and Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that the hosting of the International Children’s Games by the two municipalities is considered a national affair and expressed the full support of the Ministry towards ensuring the success of the Games. He also appointed members of his team to serve as liaisons to support the preparations and organisation efforts. Also present at the meeting was Nikos Tzanakos, member of the ICG Executive Committee.

The International Children’s Games looks forward to working closely with Ancient Olympia and Ilida as preparations continue for what promises to be a memorable edition of the Games in the birthplace of the Olympic spirit.

Even as International Children’s Games President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters take their leave of Hamilton, Ontario, it has certainly been a productive and memorable visit.

Over the past few days, they had the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Hamilton, while also meeting many of the individuals and potential staff members who could play important roles in the organisation and delivery of the Games should Hamilton be awarded the 2028 International Children’s Games.

A major highlight of the visit was the tour of the outstanding sports facilities at McMaster University, one of Canada’s leading universities renowned for its excellence in research, innovation, student life, and athletics. The university boasts an extensive sporting infrastructure with top-grade facilities capable of hosting major national and international competitions. From athletics and football facilities to indoor courts, training venues, fitness centres, swimming complexes, and athlete support spaces, the McMaster sports precinct offers an impressive environment for young athletes to compete and interact.

The delegation also visited the Ron Joyce Stadium, a modern 6,000-seat venue which opened in 2008 and is home to the McMaster Marauders football, soccer, and rugby teams. The stadium is being considered as the proposed location for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.

The likely sports programme in Hamilton could include Swimming, Football, 3x3 Basketball, Athletics, Beach Volleyball, and Judo. Accommodation options are also impressive, with participants potentially housed in spacious university residences such as Les Prince Hall, Hedden Hall, and the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning, all located conveniently within the university environment.

Do take a look through the accompanying photographs of the sports venues and accommodation facilities. If Hamilton is awarded the Games, it certainly looks like athletes, coaches, and officials from around the world will enjoy an unforgettable experience in a city blessed with excellent facilities, warm hospitality, and a vibrant sporting culture.

International Children’s Games President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters continued their visit to Hamilton, Ontario, as part of the city’s preparations and bid discussions to host the 2028 International Children’s Games.

During their stay, they toured a number of the sports facilities that could potentially be used should Hamilton be awarded the Games. One of the highlights was a visit to the impressive McMaster University sports facilities, including the Ron Joyce Stadium. Opened in 2008, the stadium seats 6,000 spectators and is home to the McMaster Marauders football, soccer, and rugby teams. The venue is being considered as the proposed site for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.

The delegation also visited the office of Esther Paul, where they had the opportunity to meet members of the staff who could potentially play key roles in the planning and organisation of the Games should Hamilton be awarded the 2028 edition. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to better understand the people and operational support behind the city’s bid efforts.

Beyond the sporting venues, the delegation explored several of Hamilton’s tourist attractions and experiences that athletes, coaches, and officials would be able to enjoy during the Games. One iconic destination that stands out is the world-famous Niagara Falls, located just a short distance from Hamilton. Should Hamilton secure the hosting rights, organised tours to Niagara Falls would certainly become a memorable highlight for many visiting delegations.

With excellent sporting infrastructure, a vibrant city atmosphere, and close proximity to one of Canada’s most recognisable landmarks, Hamilton promises the potential for a truly memorable edition of the International Children’s Games in 2028.

President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters are currently in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to advise and assist the city in its preparations for the Bid Presentation to host the 2028 International Children’s Games (ICG), which will also mark the 60th anniversary of the Games.

Hamilton shares a long and proud history with the International Children’s Games. The city first participated in the ICG in 1989 when it sent a delegation to Uzhhorod, becoming the first city from the Western Hemisphere to take part in the Games. Hamilton later made history by becoming the first host city outside of Europe when it welcomed the International Children’s Games in 1994, before hosting the Games again in 2000. The city continues its strong tradition of sending youth athletes aged 12 to 15 to compete at ICG events around the world.

Welcoming the President and Secretary General was Mayor Andrea Horwath, the 56th Mayor of Hamilton and the first woman to hold the position. Also present was a familiar face to many within the ICG family — Esther Pauls, City Councillor for Ward 7, who has long been a passionate supporter of the Games and Team Hamilton. Other familiar names from Hamilton include Greg Maychak, a member of the ICG Committee,Mark Wu, who serves on the ICG Technical Commission.

During the visit, President Igor Topole and Secretary General Hugh Waters were introduced at Hamilton City Hall, where they presented the Mayor with the commemorative ICG book. The decision on the hosting rights for the 2028 Games will be made at the Committee Meeting in Hualien in August 2026.

We wish Hamilton all the very best in its bid to host the 2028 International Children’s Games.

Today we focus on a swimmer who has competed previously at the International Children's Games who is making waves in her sporting discipline.

At just 17 years old, German swimmer Milena Auer is already showing the discipline, resilience and balance required of a high-performing student-athlete.

Milena, who trains with DSW 1912 Darmstadt, specialises in breaststroke and individual medley events, particularly the 200m distances. Alongside swimming, she also plays handball, believing the team environment and friendships from the sport provide an important balance to the intense demands of elite swimming.

Her weekly routine is demanding. Milena trains up to nine times a week, including early morning sessions before school, afternoon water training, strength and conditioning work, and weekend double sessions. Despite the heavy schedule, she continues to balance both sport and academics with determination and maturity.

One of the highlights of Milena’s sporting journey came at the International Children’s Games in Leon, Mexico 2023, where she proudly represented her city and country on the international stage. The experience left a lasting impression on her, not only because of the friendships and memories created, but also because she captured the bronze medal in the Girls’ 200m Breaststroke event.

Milena shared that competing at the ICG was one of the most memorable experiences of her career so far, describing the Games as an exciting and meaningful celebration of youth sport, teamwork and international friendship.

Although swimming is often viewed as an individual sport, Milena emphasised the strong sense of team spirit within her training group. She enjoys training and competing alongside teammates, supporting one another during relays and competitions, and believes this environment pushes her to improve every day.

Looking ahead, Milena is still exploring what the future may hold after school, but she is certain that sport will continue to remain an important part of her life. With her positive mindset, humility and dedication, Milena represents the true spirit and values of the International Children’s Games.