On July 10 -15 2008 San Francisco, California will host the 42nd International Children’s Games. Athletes from 100 cities representing 50 countries and spanning six (6) continents will compete in eight sports and participate in cultural activities designed to foster understanding and friendship. World famous Golden Gate Park, the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University and AT&T Park will provide venues for this exciting event. The San Francisco Games will bring together 2,000 athletes, 12 to 15 years of age, from 100 cities representing 50 countries from around the world, to put forth their personal best in track and field, tennis, swimming, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, basketball and golf. To see more details about the event, please go to our Fact Sheet.
The 42nd International Children’s Games is endorsed by the International Olympic Committee and is the only global, youth athletic event that combines sports, educational programs and peace-motivated cultural exchange. San Francisco, with its multi-cultural heritage, is the ideal venue for this event and is honored to the host the world in our great city.
History of the International Children’s Games
Having seen his own childhood disrupted by World War II, Yugoslavian Professor Metod Klemenc had a vision to promote peace and friendship through sports to the world’s youth. He organized the first International Children’s Games in 1968 with the participation of teams from nine European cities. Through 2006, over 30,000 children ages 12 to 15 have participated, representing over 200 cities and 60 countries.