The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) has opened the bid process for the World Air Games 2013.
The FAI World Air Games is the flagship event of air sports. The multi-sport event takes place over seven days and is the only world competition that brings together the various different air sports.
The program consists of 11 sports: aerobatics, aeromodelling, ballooning, experimental aircraft, General Aviation, gliding, hang gliding, helicopters, microlights, parachuting and paragliding. All competitions are mixed and can be entered by both men and women. The last World Air Games were staged in the Italian city of Turin in mid-2009. That event was the third ever staging of the World Air Games.
The FAI says the athletes invited to compete at the World Air Games are those who achieve the best results in their respective events in the preceding years and participation is therefore a public recognition of these athletes’ achievements and efforts to reach the highest competitive level.
"The World Air Games are a powerful way for hosts to bring people together and share the positive values of air sports," FAI Sports and Development Director Jean-Marc Badan said. "Furthermore, air sports competitions are always spectacular and thus give a unique opportunity for a host to promote a city or region to the public and millions of people throughout the world via extensive TV and press coverage."
The FAI is inviting its members as well as cities, regions, event organisers and commercial bodies to bid to host the World Air Games 2013. Expressions of interest must be submitted to the FAI by no later than November 30.
The organisation of the World Air Games is awarded following a two-phase bid process. During phase 1, the FAI evaluates potential hosts by assessing their motivations and identifying proposed venues and dates. At the end of this phase, a short list is established.
During phase 2, potential hosts submit a detailed bid book which contains the details of the proposed organisation. Bidders are encouraged to seek FAI experts’ assistance in preparing and optimising the content of their bid book. During this phase, site inspections are conducted by FAI experts.
At the end of June 2011, following the final presentations of each potential host, the FAI Selection Committee will award the organisation of the World Air Games 2013. All bid documents can be downloaded here. Or for more details email worldairgames@fai.org.
Founded in 1905, the FAI is the world governing body for air sports and for certifying world aviation and space records. For more on the FAI click here.