100-Day Countdown to The World Games 2022 Begins with Announcement of 'Epic Journey' American Flag Will Take From U.S. Capitol to Opening Ceremony

Partnership with Airbus Launches 'Old Glory Relay'

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark 100 days to go before The World Games 2022 begin, today officials from the Games and Airbus announced they are partnering with Team Red, White & Blue for "The Team RWB Old Glory Relay to The World Games 2022 presented by Airbus."

The relay is an epic journey where thousands of America's military veterans will each have their turn carrying the same American flag from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to the Opening Ceremony of The Games at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.

An expected 3,600 elite athletes from more than 100 countries will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in exciting and emerging sports from July 7-17 at The World Games 2022, which is organized with the support of the Olympics and takes place every four years. This year marks the 11^th edition of The World Games and the first that will be held on U.S. soil in over 40 years.

"It's going to be an incredible moment of national unity to watch veterans bring the American flag into the Opening Ceremony in front of a live, global audience as our country plays host to thousands of athletes and fans from every corner of the world," said Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games 2022. "We are thankful to our partner Airbus for making this possible and can't wait to track the progress of Old Glory as our honored veterans take the flag on this epic journey."

"Airbus is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Old Glory Relay and to support this incredible effort that will connect veterans from across the country to an inspiring mission," said Daryl Taylor, Vice President and General Manager of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. "A significant portion of our workforce at Airbus served our nation in uniform, so we are especially honored to partner with The World Games 2022 to show our admiration and support for America's veterans."

Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) works to support veterans by helping them find lasting fulfillment through the creation of deep bonds with other veterans and civilian supporters.

"Each time the American flag is passed from one runner or cyclist to the next during its epic journey from Washington, DC to Birmingham, Alabama, it builds a valuable connection and unforgettable pride," said Team RWB's Founder and Executive Director Mike Erwin. "We are fired up to partner with Airbus in this year's Old Glory Relay and look forward to inspiring millions of people on the journey, most importantly on July 7th when we carry the flag into the Opening ceremony to help kick off The World Games 2022!"

Plans call for the Old Glory Relay to begin in late May and culminate on July 7 as the flag is carried into Protective Stadium to herald the start of The World Games 2022.  The Opening Ceremony, presented by Alabama Power, will be a colorful and entertaining celebration of sports featuring live musical performances, special effects and a parade of athletes from every competing nation.

Mobile, Alabama became home to Airbus's first U.S.-based commercial aircraft manufacturing facility in 2015. Since then, the facility has grown from an initial workforce of 250 to more than 1,000 employees building both the A220 family and A320 family aircraft.

Former U.S. Army Sergeant Noah Galloway, a Birmingham native who serves as an Honorary Co-Chair of The World Games 2022, and Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin will carry the U.S. flag and The World Games flag into the Opening Ceremony.

"This is a huge honor and I'm excited," said Galloway. "It's big for the country. It's going to connect thousands of people and countless communities because Airbus and Team RWB are doing this. It's building those connections. I think that's what we need right now."

About The World Games 2022
The World Games 2022 Birmingham is the new generation of global sport competition, welcoming elite athletes from all over the world to compete for gold in 34 unique, multi-disciplinary sports. Featuring 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries, the international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ venues around the greater metropolitan area. The World Games 2022 Birmingham, which marks the 40th anniversary of the event, will take place from July 7-17, 2022 and will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. The World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The World Games 2022 is organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee.  For more information visit TWG2022.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defense, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defense and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

About Team RWB
Team RWB, a non-profit organization founded in 2010, is forging America's leading health and wellness community for military veterans, families and their supporters. Team RWB has more than 200,000 members spread across nearly 200 chapters and communities nationwide. To learn more, visit TeamRWB.org.

SOURCE The World Games 2022