Since 1981 , The World Games , a multi-sport international competitive event , has been hosted in cities the year following the Olympics . This , with the full support of the International Olympic Committee . The World Games are staged over a period of 11 days and feature over 30 sports , represented by 3,600 athletes from over 100 countries . Sporting events include disciplines not offered in The Olympics . Event competitions include martial arts , racquetball , lacrosse , and kickboxing , among others . The 2022 event will be hosted by the city of Birmingham , Alabama , July 7-17 .
Named as Artist Director for next year ’ s games is our friend , Dr . Henry Panion III . Readers may recall our in-depth interview with Henry in our
June 2020 issue . The games will be bookended by opening and closing ceremonies . Dr . Panion has included a stunning lineup for entertainment for this world showcase , including many Gospel music artists and creatives from Alabama . I recently caught up with Dr . Panion , The Blind Boys of Alabama , Pastor Mike Jr ., and Country Music legend and Hall of Famer Randy Owen ( Alabama ), regarding their thoughts about being invited to perform and sing Gospel music before a world-wide audience .
[ WM ] You ’ ve been given and earned opportunities that people only dream of . Please tell us about the World Games 2022 and how you came to be named Artistic Director for this world platform ?
when you imagine the cinematic and sonic experiences of blockbuster movies , well this is the design of the World Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies . The World Games 2022 will bring together some 3,600 athletes from over 100 countries and will broadcast to over one billion people throughout the world .
I believe every aspect of my life ' s experiences has prepared me for being asked to become Artistic Director . I have always been such a fan of every genre of music and every form of artistic expression , from ballet to hip hop , from musicals to action films , from the opera to Gospel . And as I look back over my career , I ' ve had some amazing opportunities to work with many of the world ' s leading artists from allacross the artistic spectrum .
[ WM ] And your inclusion of Gospel Music within the scheduled events and ceremonies is unprecedented . Can you tell us about this decision ?
[ Henry ] Yes , of course . When I think about my love of music , I must truly say that it is Gospel Music that is at the center and focus of who I am . Not only that , but Gospel Music and the sound of Gospel has influenced virtually every form of music across the globe . So , as an indigenous art form of America , it is only appropriate that it be featured so prominently in these World Games .
[ WM ] As a child of the 60 ’ s , my recollections of Birmingham during that time are still imprinted in my memory . In speaking to World Games representatives , there seems to be a collective attempt to transform those disturbing perceptions and showcase a new and better Alabama . Can you comment on this ?
[ Henry ] You are so correct . While we should never forget the struggles of this city ' s past , Birmingham has come so far from the 60 ’ s and is so much more than we usually get to see in the media . Honestly , while I have traveled the globe many times over and have had many opportunities to live in other cities in our country , Birmingham has been a wonderful place for us to live and raise a family . In the new theme song for the Games , I was commissioned to write along with Randy Owen of the group Alabama and his daughter Allison , a We-Are-The-World type song titled " Hope of Alabama ." The song features a cast of famous singers from across the musical landscape that focuses on the idea that people of the world are all the same , with the same desires for love , joy , peace , and happiness . Most importantly , it stresses the important point that the hate and fear of the past wasn ' t enough then and isn ' t enough now ,
[ Henry Panion ] Thank you , Alex . As Artistic Director I ' ve been charged and given the freedom to produce a set of shows in the opening and closing ceremonies that we hope will be all that one would expect and more from such an event .
First , when I considered the best that I have always enjoyed about the Olympic ceremonies , Super Bowl half-time shows , and major artists concerts , I wanted to combine those elements with the best of my true loves … the sounds of a symphony orchestra and the pageantry , artistry , and precision of professional drum corps . Then