About CG

Beijing hosts the first SportAccord World Combat Games

From August 27 to September 4 2010, Beijing hosts the first SportAccord Combat Games ever. They are the first corner stone in a series of new worldwide multi-sports events SportAccord is going to launch in the coming years: The Mind Games will follow in 2011 and the World Beach Games in 2012. The Combat Games 2010 feature 13 martial arts and combat sports, both Olympic and non-Olympic. “We want to support our members by giving them the opportunity to get exposure to a worldwide audience. The Combat Games offer the participating sports a unique chance to be on stage together and will bring them closer to the public, “ SportAccord President Hein Verbruggen explains the strategy behind the Games.

The Beijing Local Organising Committee will provide competition venues and training facilities that meet highest international standards. The 13 sports are distributed to three venues, all Olympic venues in 2008 and in close distance to the athletes’ hotels and the airport.

A highlight of the Beijing Combat Games 2010 will be the Ambassador Program. “We have very good news, “ says Li Jinkang, Secretary General of the Beijing Local Organising Committee. “International movie star Jet Li will be Ambassador for the martial art of Wushu. He is not only a great actor and champion but he shows also outstanding social commitment. We will be very honoured to welcome him in Beijing.” Jet Li will lead the squad of famous celebrities and champions such as kickboxing legend Don “the Dragon” Wilson or Olympic gold medallist in Wrestling, Rulon Gardener, that will act as representatives for their disciplines and the Games in general. They will participate in various activities around the Games and will contribute to the atmosphere during the whole week.

Additionally, the Combat Games will feature a Cultural Program reflecting the ancient traditions of martial arts as well as the social and cultural values of the 13 sports and the event as a whole. The Program includes a Forum on August 29 featuring the theme “The Art of Combat - Friendship and Determination” and several thematic exhibitions. Topics will deal with the cultural dimensions of the martial arts and their social value and contribution to society.

Key facts of the SportAccord World Combat Games 2010 in Beijing:

• 13 martial arts and combat sports
• 1108 athletes - from five continents
• 136 gold medals awarded
• 8 days of competition
• 3 competition venues, 1 training venue

 

Games organisation:

The SportAccord World Combat Games 2010 are organised by SportAccord in close collaboration with the Beijing Local Organising Committee.
The SportAccord World Combat Games Committee is responsible for the coordination and execution of the competitions.
The World Combat Games Committee is headed by Chairman Mr. Antonio Espinos  and Deputy Chairmen Mr. George Yerolimpos and Mr. Patrick Van Campenhout.