Kelowna ICG Legacy

Kelowna ICG Legacy Kelowna's ICG legacy page for the International Children’s Games (ICG) sporting event. The legacy of the Games has continued in Kelowna since hosting in 2011.

The International Children’s Games (ICG) is a sporting event held every year. Youth, ages 12–15, come from cities around the world to participate in a variety of winter and summer sports. From the first International Children’s Games held in June 1968 in Celje, Slovenia, the ICG has promoted peace, friendship and understanding between peoples. Born from the vision of Slovenian sports instructor Me

tod Klemenc, the games are designed to create solidarity and cultural exchange amongst its participants. Its focus is to connect children from around the world through the Games sport and cultural events. To date 390 cities, from 78 countries, and 36,000 athletes have participated in the Games. Cities from every continent have been a part of the games with 45 cities serving as hosts. Strong friendships have been created and different cultures have come closer together. The ICG has come to represent the true spirit of fair and friendly competition. With headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, the ICG will continue in its mission to connect lives from around the world through sport. Kelowna was the host of the 5th International Children’s Winter Games in January 2011. Those games had over 1,000 attendees from 36 cities and provided a $2.2 million dollar economic development impact to the city. A Legacy Committee has been established which has organized teams to participate in winter and summer games offered by ICG.

08/02/2026

Team Kelowna about to enter the ceremonies

08/02/2026
08/01/2026

A Lifetime Dedicated to the International Children's Games

For more than two decades, Torsten Rasch of Darmstadt, Germany, was the guiding force behind the International Children's Games. During his remarkable 21 years as ICG President, he helped grow the movement into a truly global celebration of sport, friendship and cultural exchange for thousands of young athletes.

Although he has now stepped down as President and serves as Honorary President of the ICG, Torsten's passion for the Games remains as strong as ever. Even in retirement, he continues to travel to the Games, encourage host cities, and champion the values that have made the ICG so special for nearly six decades.

The 2026 Hualien Games mark Torsten's third visit to Taiwan, having also attended the memorable Games in Taipei (2002) and New Taipei City (2016). Looking back, he spoke warmly of the Taiwanese people, whose hospitality and genuine care for visiting delegations have always made the Games a memorable experience.

For Hualien, Torsten hopes the Games will once again bring together young people from around the world in the true spirit of friendship and fair play. He also hopes this successful edition will inspire more cities across Asia to embrace the International Children's Games and continue building stronger connections through sport.

Thank you, Torsten, for your extraordinary legacy of leadership and for continuing to serve as an ambassador for the International Children's Games. Your dedication and unwavering belief in the power of sport to unite young people continue to inspire the entire ICG family.

07/29/2026
07/29/2026

Go Team Kelowna!! 🎉🇨🇦

07/19/2026
07/18/2026

Welcome Team Kelowna to the 2026 International Children's Games!

With just 28 days to go until the Games begin, we are delighted to welcome Team Kelowna, Canada to Hualien!

Kelowna has been a proud and longstanding member of the International Children's Games family, with a rich history of participation that reflects the true spirit of friendship, sportsmanship and cultural exchange. This year, another talented team of young athletes will proudly represent their city across a range of sports.

Much of Kelowna's continued success and commitment to the ICG movement is thanks to Lance Macdonald, President of the Kelowna International Children's Games Committee, whose passion and leadership have helped inspire young athletes to experience the unique opportunities that the International Children's Games provide.

To all the athletes, coaches and officials from Kelowna, we wish you safe travels and extend a warm Hualien welcome. May your time at the Games be filled with memorable performances, lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences.

Welcome to Hualien, Team Kelowna! We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 International Children's Games!

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