AUGUST 20, 2009
WORLD GAMES
Regardless of whether you followed it or even knew it existed, the World Games was a big step for Taiwan in joining the international sports community. The World Games features sports not contested in the Olympics, like billiards, bowling, and tug of war. This year, it was held in Kaohsiung from July 16-26. Nearly 6,000 athletes, officials, coaches, referees, and others from 103 countries participated, setting a record high for the multi-sport competition. Here are some other quick facts about the World Games 2009:
| VIII World Games: |
| Motto |
Top Sports - High Spirits |
| Host city |
Kaohsiung |
| Nations |
103 |
| Athletes |
4,800 approx. |
| Events |
35 sports |
| Time |
July 16, 2009 - July 26, 2009 |
| Main Stadium |
World Games Stadium |
| Emblem: |
Mascots: |
|
|
| The emblem is based on the first character in the city’s name, "kao" (高), which means high or superior. Stylized as a ribbon, it creates an atmosphere of festivity. The colors depict the sun rising over the ocean. |
Gao Mei (高妹) and Syong Ge (雄哥) are named after the host city, Kaohsiung. They are intended to personify it as "a city of the sea and the sun," to emphasize "ecology and environmental protection," and to symbolize the "friendliness and hospitality" of the city's residents.
|
| Medal Table: |
| Rank |
Nation |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
Total |
| 1 |
 Russian Federation (RUS) |
18 |
14 |
15 |
47 |
| 2 |
 Italy (ITA) |
16 |
12 |
13 |
41 |
| 3 |
 People's Republic of China (CHN) |
14 |
10 |
5 |
29 |
| 4 |
 United States (USA) |
13 |
8 |
5 |
26 |
| 5 |
 France (FRA) |
11 |
14 |
13 |
38 |
| 6 |
 Ukraine (UKR) |
11 |
12 |
10 |
33 |
| 7 |
 Chinese Taipei (TPE) |
8 |
9 |
7 |
24 |
| 8 |
 Germany (GER) |
6 |
6 |
10 |
22 |
| 9 |
 Republic of Korea (KOR) |
6 |
3 |
5 |
14 |
| 10 |
 Australia (AUS) |
5 |
10 |
5 |
20 |
