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The 95th FAI General Conference held from 7 to 13 October 2002 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, approved a new concept for the 3rd World Air Games. A reduction in size and more centralization of the competition venues will further improve the popularity and the attractiveness of the event. A two-phase Bid Process will start early in 2003 to select the Organizer of the 3rd World Air Games 2005.

A Short History of the World Air Games
Starting in the mid-eighties, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) worked on emulating the concept of an Olympiad for its Air Sports and developed the idea of World Air Games (WAG). The objective of this quadrennial, elite and multidisciplinary unique sports festival was to determine champions in all participating Air Sports, to motivate camaraderie among the world’s top athletes, to showcase Air Sports to the public and to promote public participation in Air Sports. The first World Air Games took place in Turkey (1997), the second in Spain (2001). Both events included around 3500 participants, with 2000 athletes competing in more than 20 events spread over eight different competition venues.

New Concept for the 3rd World Air Games 2005
In an effort to render Air Sports even more popular and attractive to the media (see our Press Release of 3 September 2002), the FAI Executive Board appointed the WAG Coordinating Committee (WAGCC) to work out a new concept based on the experiences collected during the previous WAGs. The 95th FAI General Conference held two weeks ago at Dubrovnik was an excellent opportunity for Mr. B.J. Worth, Executive Chairman of the WAGCC, to explain the guidelines according to which the 3rd World Air Games will be organized in 2005. The most significant elements intended to establish an event with more impact are a reduction in size (max. 1000 participants), centralization and reduced number of competition venues (max. 3 venues within 100 km), a reduction in the length of WAG events (max. 6 to 7 days) and time-sharing between events at the competition venues. To attract a maximum number of spectators, the Opening Ceremony will take place on a weekend at a central venue with all participating athletes parading; a show segment will be included to present all WAG Air Sports : Aerobatics, Aeromodelling, Ballooning, Gliding, Hang Gliding, Helicopters, Microlights, Paragliding and Parachuting.

Interactivity with the Public
To improve attendance of spectators and enhance their interest in Air Sports, a static display of aircraft and equipment used by the athletes, competitor profiles, and a description of each event with its objective will be available at the competition venues.

Launch of Bid Process in early 2003
The next WAG Organizer will be selected by a two-phase Bid Process. Early in 2003, FAI will invite FAI Members, cities, regions and corporations to bid for the right to organize and host the 3rd World Air Games. A Bid Package will be provided to qualified entities that submit requests to FAI; the package will include all relevant instructions, information and documents for completing the WAG Bid Form.
A dedicated Internet page with detailed information will be published at www.fai.org later this year.

Lausanne, 25 October 2002