City of Birmingham earns gold on a world stage

It’s not every day your home city is showcased on a world stage.

But that was the opportunity Birmingham Water Works (BWW) received when 3,000 athletes and 30,000 visitors from around the world arrived in Alabama in July for The World Games.

The World Games is an 11-day international, multi-sport event organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. Held each year following the Summer Olympic Games since 1981, The World Games showcases elite athletes from over 100 countries competing for gold in more than 30 of the fastest growing sports in the world. (Pictured right, BWW staff providing misters during The World Games.)

The World Games generates an estimated economic impact of $256 million for the host city. The 2022 event in Birmingham marks the first time the event was held in the United States since the inaugural World Games in Santa Clara, Calif., in 1981.

“We knew this was coming, so we knew we wanted to have some type of footprint at the Games,” said Rick Jackson, public relations manager for BWW. “We met with the organizers to try to see how we could be involved.” (See BWW’s video highlights from the games here.)

Birmingham in July means heat, so BWW knew athletes and spectators alike would be looking for places and ways to beat the Alabama heat.

“It was so hot,” Jackson said. “I mean, we were near triple digits a lot of the days during the games. We wanted to make sure that everyone stayed cool, so we had misting stations throughout the venue. We also had educational material about hydration. We also offered some really cool giveaways, like water bottles, to make sure everyone was staying hydrated. Those were a hit of course.”

The BWW team consisted of more than 100 people. They worked long hours throughout event, but Jackson enjoyed the chance to meet people from all over the world. (Pictured left, spectator picks up BWW giveaway.)

“It was fun to interact with people who spoke different languages and are from different countries and cultures,” he said. “It was a great opportunity to showcase Birmingham as a city of progress. To have come from the civil rights movement where there was segregation and inequality to now fast-forward about 60 years and people from all races, all backgrounds are coming together and celebrating. This was huge for the city and Birmingham Water Works. I mean, we were happy to be involved with providing a great welcome to all our friends from all over the world.”

While they were providing giveaways to spectators, the BWW team enjoyed some special experiences of their own. The World Games offers a rare opportunity to watch some of the world’s elite athletes compete in sports they’ve never seen before, like sumo wrestling. Jackson noticed his colleagues coming away with something intangible, too.

“I think a camaraderie between everyone who was at the event was formed here,” said Jackson (pictured right). “I know a lot of people exchanged contact information and hopefully created lasting friendships with people from all over the world.”

In addition to the memories the events generated, the spectators also drank some mighty fine water. In fact, Jackson coined a phrase, “Birmingham Water Works, a taste the world can enjoy.”