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Palmer Statement on the Decision to Host the 2021 World Games in Birmingham

January 22, 2015

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Gary Palmer released the following statement on choice of Birmingham, Alabama to be the host of the 2021 World Games:

"I am delighted that Birmingham has been chosen to host the 2021 World Games. The World Games has not been held inside the United States since it was founded 1981, and it is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Birmingham and surrounding areas to display true southern hospitality. Also, the tourism and publicity it will generate will be a big boost to the economy of the region.

The people of Birmingham are welcoming, hardworking and huge sports fans. The city features state of the art athletic facilities that will make for a fantastic event. The thousands of athletes that participate as well as the fans and spectators that will come from all over the world will find that they could have made no better choice."

The World Games was originally created to highlight athletic events that were not part of the Olympic Games, although some have since been included in the Olympics. Approximately 4000 athletes from around the world compete every 4 years. 500,000 fans attended the last World Games in Columbia and the event is expected to generate approximately $250 million for the city. Birmingham beat Lima, Peru and Ufa, Russia in the final round for the honor of holding the games.

For any additional questions, contact:

Cliff Smith, (202) 225-4921, clifford.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Space, Science and Technology. Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram.