World Christian Games

WORLD CHRISTIAN GAMES

Executive Summary

This report offers a comprehensive concept of the “World Christian Games” - an international project that combines sports competitions, cultural and spiritual events. 

It analyzes existing analogues, the organization of the project (world assembly, organizing committee, national committees), legal aspects, financial model, strategy of attracting partners, the program of the Games, communications, risks and launch stages. 

The main idea is to create a neutral platform where athletes and youth of different Christian denominations (as well as representatives of other faiths) will compete and communicate, strengthening interfaith ties.

Existing international religious, sports and cultural events

Examples include interfaith tournaments "Dialogue of Religions" in Moscow, where teams of traditional religions (Orthodox, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.) compete in mini-football and table tennis1]. 

Similarly, in September 2025 "Alexander Nevsky Games" with participation took place in St. Petersburg ~3000 athletes and spiritual mentors, as well as joint prayers of the Orthodox and Muslims2][3]. 

In the suburbs of the festival of martial arts "Cup of St. Nicholas of Japan (c 2011) in 2026 He united over 5000 Athletes from 60 Regions of Russia and 12 Countries by Country 18 Disciplines4]. 

International religious and sports events include the Games of Islamic Solidarity (Organization of the Islamic Conference) in Baku2017 more 3000 Athletes from 54 Countries involved in 24 Sports5]. 

Among cultural and religious events are World Youth Days (Catholic Church), which gather hundreds of thousands (Panama 2019 – ~0,7 Millions; Lisbon 2023 – ~1,5 Millions of young Catholics6], and Maccabida (Israeli "Jewish Olympic Games"), where over the past decades, about 9–10 Thousands of athletes from 80 Countries[7].

Table 1. Comparison of examples of religious, sports and cultural events:

Organizational structure

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) brings together 206 National Olympic Committees[9] and delegates the organization of the Games to the local organizing committee[10]. 

Similarly, the proposed structure consists of three levels:

The World Assembly of Christian Games is an international governing body (for example, an NGO in Switzerland), which includes representatives of the main Christian denominations (patriarchs, bishops, leaders of Protestant associations) and key sports organizations. 

The Assembly approves the charter, strategy, general budget policy and sets directions for activities. The number of members (e.g., 20–50) is determined by the balance of confessions and regions.

- The Organizing Committee of the Games (international) is a temporary structure created in the host country. Like the Olympic Organizing Committee, he is responsible for the preparation and holding of specific Games: planning competitions, volunteers, infrastructure, logistics. The organizing committee can be registered in the form of a non-profit organization or foundation, cooperates with state bodies and church structures. The recommended composition is 30–50 people (athletes, administrators, clergymen).

- National committees - in each country, committees are formed (with the participation of the Church and sports federations) responsible for the selection of athletes, general coordination and local support for the project. They operate as national Olympic committees, but within a Christian context. Formally, an NGO or association under local law.

Each level has clearly delimited functions: the assembly - supervision and general policy; the organizing committee - operational management of the Games; national committees - team training and lobbying interests in the country.

Legal and regulatory requirements

At the international level, there are no special restrictions on church and sports projects, the general principles of freedom of religion and assembly are in force. The IOC, for example, protects the exclusive right to use the Olympic symbols and the title of the Olympic Games10], so the new initiative can not be called in the same way. The legal status of the organizers is NPO (international fund) and national funds/associations. In each country, it is necessary to obtain permits for mass events and comply with safety standards (for example, GOST R 55529-2013 for sports facilities in the Russian Federation). The right to religious symbols (crosses, icons) is not protected by copyright as a cult object, but can be regulated by the internal statutes of churches. Interfaith agreements do not formally impose additional legal requirements, but it is recommended to agree in advance on the format of joint services with representatives of participating confessions. 

As for taxation: if the organizational structures have the status of non-profit religious organizations, they can receive benefits, but the commercial part (sale of tickets, merch) will be taxed according to national laws.

Financial model and budget projection

The budget for the “World Games” can be compared with those of other global sporting events. For example, Azerbaijan budgeted about $100 million for the IV Islamic Solidarity Games[8]. 

In the budget of the "Game" a significant share of revenues can be sponsorship: in the Olympic movement, the share of sponsors had to be ~34% Total Revenue11]. 

On this basis, the initial budget of the project is estimated at $50–100 Millions (preparatory year + The First Conduct). 

Main expenses: construction/rental of infrastructure, medals and prize fund, administrative expenses, ceremonies, security. 

Revenues are formed by sponsors, tickets, grants and donations of church organizations and patrons.

Below is an approximate financial plan for the year 4 (millions of dollars):

The deficit in the first years may be covered by the start-up investments of Churches and sponsors. 

Already from the second cycle (2029), the project enters a steady surplus due to the growth of spectator interest and an established sponsorship base. 

As indicative figures are given similar projects (for example, the budget of the Islamic Games [8]).

The strategy of attracting partners and sponsors

Key partners can be:

- Church organizations (Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant associations, sisterhoods): they are interested in a large-scale world exchange program, can participate in financing as a religious mission and as a channel for attracting sportsmen-believers.

- International organizations: UNESCO (cultural and youth agenda), Olympic Committee (through the Olympic Solidarity program), World Council of Churches (interfaith dialogue).

Sports federations: National Olympic committees and federations may provide funds or logistical support (e.g. by providing athletes with qualifications).

- Corporations and foundations: large brands (IT, sports goods, pharma) within the framework of socially responsible marketing. European and global practices show that sponsors fund ~30–50% events, waiting for mention and positive PR.

- Media: Christian TV channels and publications (EWTN, CTV, "In Victory", etc.), general political media with coverage of religious initiatives. The goal is to provide wide broadcasting (online streams, TV broadcasts).

An approximate plan of negotiations: first to hold negotiations at the level of churches (patriarchs, bishops) and international organizations (make memoranda), then to contact state structures (Minsport, Ministry of Internal Affairs - for legalization), in parallel to conduct a dialogue with potential commercial sponsors (presentation of the project concept, sponsorship packages). 

Important phasing: 

1) to form an organizational structure and receive a "name" (constitutional forum), 

2) to offer favorable conditions to large donors, 

3) engage the media to promote the idea. Successfully attracting sponsors will provide a significant share of revenues (approximately as a percentage of the IOC[11]).

The Games Program

Sports part: it is recommended to include popular Olympic types and take into account the ethno-cultural preferences of Christian countries. For example, competitions are planned in athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, judo/struggle, swimming, shooting, table tennis, chess and other disciplines. 

For reference: Patriarchal Cup of Nicholas included 18 Types of Martial Arts4], and the Games of Alexander Nevsky – 5 Different disciplines2] There should be separate tournaments for men, women and juniors, as well as a programme for the disabled.

Cultural and spiritual part: the schedule includes exhibitions of Orthodox and Christian art, concerts of sacred music and choirs, film festivals on religious topics, seminars and Bible quizzes. 

Participants will be offered daily services, joint prayers and prayers of various denominations (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, as well as representatives of other religions who want to join3]. 

The Youth Forum (workshop-conference) deals with the topics of Christian values in sports, social service, ecology, etc. A special session on sports and ethics is held, where speakers from different denominations share their experience.

Sample schedule of 10-day event:

The opening of the Games should be held in the main hall (for example, in the cathedral or in the stadium) with joint worship and raising the symbolic flag of the project. Closing ceremony - solemn liturgy and festive concert.

Communication and digital strategy

A comprehensive digital ecosystem is being created: the official website - the Games portal (program information, registration, news, online broadcast) and a mobile application with a schedule and results. 

Social networks (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, VK, Telegram, etc.) create official pages with regular content (announcements, interviews with athletes, photo / video reports). 

The brand book of the project is designed with elements of Christian symbolism (cross, dove, flame of spirit), sustained in calm noble colors (gold, blue). To ensure reputation, a PR team is involved: scripts for addressing the media and a plan for responding to critical situations (for example, conflicts, doping scandals, unforeseen emergencies) have been prepared. 

In particular, in case of incidents, a rapid crisis headquarters (church representatives and organizers) is formed for a single official communiqué.

The structure of the digital platform includes modules: registration of participants, news feed, live broadcasts (from several sites), online results cards, a web forum for discussing topics, donations / donations, a database of church partner organizations.

 The information and library section contains educational materials on sports and faith, video lectures, as well as an archive of previous events. 

Such an integrated digital system will ensure the involvement of participants and viewers around the world.

Risk assessment and mitigation measures

• Political risks: Changing host country policies (withdrawal of support), international sanctions or conflicts may discourage participation (e.g. boycotting players due to political differences). 

Measures: to provide backup options for sites in friendly countries; to include neutral wording in the program; to appeal to the UN provision on freedom of religion; to ensure openness and inclusion of different religions, which reduces politicization.

• Interfaith risks: There may be disputes about the format of services or symbols (for example, the choice of prayer formulas). 

Measures: to coordinate the program in advance with the councils of different churches; to provide for multi-confessional prayer services and dialogue platforms; to appoint those responsible for relations with each denomination.

• Financial risks: underfunding (disruption of sponsorship contracts), currency fluctuations, economic crisis. 

Measures: diversification of sources (the state, large corporations, donations); insurance (sports and financial risks); flexible scaling - the ability to abandon individual projects with budget cuts.

• Reputational risks: doping, use of the Games for propaganda purposes, accidents at events. 

Measures: strict anti-corruption and anti-doping policy (cooperation with WADA); code of ethics for participants; clear communication with the press and the public (quick refutation of fakes); involvement of respected religious authorities as ambassadors.

Road map of the project launch

timeline
    title World Christian Games Roadmap (2026–2030)
    2026 : Constituent Congress, constitution drafting, formation of the World Assembly
    2027: Establishment of the organizing committee, establishment of national committees, initial negotiations with sponsors
    2028 : Conclusion of partnership agreements, launch of the site/application, preparation of infrastructure
    2029 : Conducting test competitions (pilot festival), finalization of the program
    2030: Holding the first World Christian Games

Symbols and managers

Symbolism: A logo with crossed elements (Christian cross + symbolic flame / dove) reflecting the unity of faith and spirit of sport is offered. The color scheme is white (purity), gold (values) and blue (peace). Motto: "In the unity of spirit and sport" (or Faith in Sport - United in Spirit).

Opening ceremony: recommended "ritual of fire and cross" - relay sports torch, symbolic flags of denominations, joint prayer of all delegations. Location is a significant place (for example, the main cathedral of the city with a great hall, or stadium) to emphasize solemnity.

Possible host countries: Optimum countries with a large Christian population and experience in holding international events. 

For example, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Russia are among the five countries in terms of the number of Christians (USA ~219 million, Brazil 168 Millions, Mexico 113 million, Russia 102 Millions12]). They have a developed sports infrastructure and strong church communities. 

Also suitable are European countries (Poland, Italy) and Asian countries (Philippines), where massive Christian growth and stability will ensure the scale of events. The choice will be justified by the support of local authorities and the Church, as well as the ability to guarantee the safety of participants.

Conclusion: The proposed plan is based on the best practices of international sports projects and takes into account the specifics of Christian denominations9][2]. 

If successfully implemented, it will allow not only to hold competitions, but also to strengthen interfaith dialogue, serve as a platform for the unity of youth and the dissemination of the values of Christian culture in modern society.

Sources: official websites and reports of these events, international publications and media[edit]1][8][11][12][2][4]. 

(Unavailable information is not specified.)

[1] Interfaith Tournaments "Dialogue of Religions"

https://www.protestant.ru/news/church/ofchrist/article/1774861

[2] [3] International Sports Games and Forum "Faith and Sport" were held in St. Petersburg

https://www.muslim.ru/articles/759/44520/

[4The Patriarchal International Festival of Martial Arts and Martial Arts "Cup of St. Nicholas of Japan" will be held 19 – 24 February

http://blagochinie.com/tpost/m6gjuj4891-patriarshii-mezhdunarodnii-festival-spor

[5] Islamic Solidarity Games - Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%98%D0%B3%D1%80%D1%8B_%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9_%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8

[6World Youth Day (Catholicism) - Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8C_%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%91%D0%B6%D0%B8_(%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BC)

[7] Maccabiah Games - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabiah_Games

[8] Azerbaijan will spend on Islamic Games $100 Millions

https://sia.az/ru/news/sport/584654.html

[9] [10] [11] International Olympic Committee — Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82

[12] Christianity by country - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_by_country