Georgia’s National Sports Organization Meets with IWGA Deputy CEO — The 2029 World Games High on the Agenda
The National Sports Organization of Georgia (NSO) and the International World Games Association (IWGA) held an official working meeting to discuss the practical implementation of their recently signed historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as well as Georgia’s preparations for The World Games 2029.
2025 | IWGA Headquarters, Lausanne, Switzerland
Status: Official
Meeting Participants
Representing Georgia
Representatives of the National Sports Organization of Georgia (NSO).
Representing IWGA
Guillaume Felli — Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO), International World Games Association (IWGA)
Guillaume Felli joined the IWGA in 2022 as Head of Projects and was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2023. He brings extensive experience in the management of international sporting events, having served for five years as the head of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and overseen operations for five Olympic Games and two FIFA World Cups.
Meeting Agenda
The meeting focused on two key priorities: the practical implementation of the historic Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between the two organizations, and Georgia’s active participation in the preparations for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe.
Key Topics Discussed
Implementation of the provisions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Preparation of Georgia’s national sports delegation for The World Games 2029.
Integration of Georgia’s national sports federations into the IWGA network and governance structure.
Strengthening partnerships among national federations and developing a comprehensive media and communications strategy.
Establishing the framework for IWGA’s technical and administrative support.
The World Games 2029 — Karlsruhe, Germany
From 19–29 July 2029, Karlsruhe, Germany, will host The World Games for the second time, marking the 13th edition of the prestigious international multi-sport event. Karlsruhe was officially confirmed as the Host City on 1 May 2024, during the IWGA Annual General Meeting held in Esslingen, Germany.
The Games are expected to welcome approximately 4,000 athletes from more than 110 countries, competing across around 35 sports.
Message from President Zaal Rukhadze
The meeting concluded with closing remarks by Zaal Rukhadze, President of the National Sports Organization of Georgia, who outlined the Association’s vision for the future of Georgian sport:
“Our message is clear: it is time for the world to hear the voice of Georgian sport once again—the voice of victory, perseverance, and national spirit. Georgian sport is returning to where it truly belongs: the global stage.”
— Zaal Rukhadze, President
The meeting was described as highly productive and constructive. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to transforming their strategic partnership into tangible actions, ensuring that Georgian sport will be represented on the international stage with strength, ambition, and excellence at The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe.
National Sports Organization of Georgia (NSO)
Official Statement · 2025
