Gerhard Schröder,
Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

"I am delighted that the World Games 2005 are being held in Germany and extend a warm welcome to all participants.

As patron of the Games I wish everyone involved an exciting and successful event. The optimal conditions participants and spectators will find at all venues will make the World Games 2005 a true celebration of how sport can bring the nations of the world together."

Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers
Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia

"Duisburg, Bottrop, Oberhausen and Mülheim an der Ruhr - this is where the World Games are carried out this time. As Prime Minister of North-Rhine Westphalia I am delighted that this globally respected event gives our country the chance to prove its potency as a land of sports - even regarding the non-olympic disciplines. The World Games 2005 will demonstrate once more that the Rhine and Ruhr literally are on the move!

Ron Froehlich,
President of the International World Games Association (IWGA)

"We are looking forward to welcoming all our athletes to The World Games 2005 in Duisburg, Germany and we are convinced that they will have outstanding competitions. I take this opportunity of looking forward to welcoming all the athletes, coaches, administrators, as well as family and supporters to The World Games 2005. "

Manfred von Richthofen,
President of the Deutscher Sportbund

"Ladies and Gentlemen,
the importance of the World Games 2005 to their host, the city of Duisburg, the Rhein-Ruhr area and also Germany as a scene for sports is exceptionally high.

The World Games do seamlessly form a queue with other top sports events all over the world.

Dr. Klaus Steinbach,
President of the National Olympic Committee

"Even from the "Olympic" perspective, the World Games are of great importance. This is why I am happy that during the past months the course for a successful realisation of the World Games 2005 could be set. May they bring a sportive and social summit to the city of Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, the sports clubs and sports fans all over Germany in 2005!"

Wolfgang Rittmann ,
President of the non-Olympic Federations

"The World Games 2005 are an excellent opportunity for the non-Olympic Federations and their interesting and diverse sports to present their disciplines to the public. As participants in the world¹s biggest sports event in 2005, more than 3000 athletes from 100 nations will be bringing out the global interest in the non-Olympic sports."

Adolf Sauerland,
Mayor of the City of Duisburg

"The fascination is noticeable all over the place - Duisburg and its citizens are approaching the World Games 2005 full of delight. The friendly city between Rhine and Ruhr is expecting its biggest sport event ever - and it is going to be top-class!

May the summer come to Duisburg: The city and its neighbours and friends from Bottrop, Oberhausen and Mülheim an der Ruhr are expecting visitors from all over the world. Thousands of athletes will discover the fascination of sports while fighting for the medals at the World Games of the non-Olympic disciplines.

In the name of the City of Duisburg I would like to extend an invitation to everybody: Come and see for yourself the variety and the fascination of sports being professionally, passionately, joyously and colourfully performed at the World Games 2005!"

Dr. Peter Langner,
Managing Director of
the World Games 2005 Ltd.

"Duisburg and its partner cities Bottrop, Oberhausen and Mülheim on the Ruhr are looking forward to stage The World Games 2005. We intend to present ourselves as formidable hosts this summer. We are keen to demonstrate the cordiality that's typical for the people of this region in welcoming their guests.

Just as the athletes in 40 sports prepare intensely for the pinnacle of their season, the Duisburg Organizing Committee works hard to ensure the perfect setting for great games in July. Athletes, officials, media representatives and spectators should feel at home in Duisburg and the Rhine-Ruhr area. We're putting all our efforts into that! The World Games are more than a sporting event. They provide the opportunity for people from around the world to meet, and they are a unique platform for cultural exchanges too! The World Games Plaza - at the heart of the Wedau Sports Park - turns into a universal playing field: for music, theater, parties .

All of this becomes achievable through the concerted action between strong partners such as the national and international federations, the national and regional governments, and the four host cities and the Association Ruhr. My thanks go to the sponsors as well: they help us to put on this colorful sports festival.