On August 7, the One-Year-to-Go countdown ceremony for the 12th edition of The World Games (TWG) 2025 was held at the International Friendship Pavilion, the main venue of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu. José Perurena López, President of the International World Games Association (IWGA), delivered a video address. Shi Xiaolin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, attended and delivered a speech. Zhou Jinqiang, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, also spoke via video.

In his address, José Perurena López expressed sincere gratitude to the General Administration of Sports of China, Sichuan Province, and Chengdu Municipality. He said the event today symbolises a significant milestone. The Local Organizing Committee's dedication, hard work, and commitment are evident in every aspect of their work. Chengdu sets a standard of excellence that inspires us all. Next year, thousands of athletes from around the globe will unite in Chengdu to showcase their remarkable talents, unwavering determination, and the noble spirit of sportsmanship. The World Games 2025 will be more than just a sporting event. They will be a cultural festival. We are confident that Chengdu will deliver a successful, wonderful, and outstanding edition of The World Games with its solid experience and unique sense of hospitality. "I hope and wish to see you all in Chengdu," he concluded his speech.

Shi Xiaolin, in her address, extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the provincial Party committee and the provincial government to the guests. Noting that the one-year countdown marks the final sprint in preparing for TWG 2025 Chengdu, Shi Xiaolin declared that we are dedicated to going all out, adhering to high standards and ensuring the high-quality completion of all preparatory tasks. We are committed to organizing streamlined, safe and splendid games, striving to deliver a uniquely enchanting and outstanding international sporting event. We steadfastly uphold the TWG core values, provide a platform for athletes worldwide to challenge their limits and achieve their dreams, and aim to promote international sports and cultural exchanges, thereby strengthening global peace and friendship. We are dedicated to using sports as a medium to deepen the world's understanding of China and to bring it closer to Sichuan, creating diverse cultural experience scenarios and allowing guests from far and wide to fully appreciate the unique charm of "Chengdu, a garden city at the foot of snow mountains, where happiness thrives amidst daily life." We are committed to harnessing the event organization to drive urban development, industrial prosperity, and public welfare, promoting extensive fitness-for-all activities, developing event-centric economics, and boosting cross-border tourism in a bid to leverage the event's flow to stimulate consumption vitality and bolster economic growth. In one year, let us meet in Chengdu and share the excitement of TWG together!

Zhou Jinqiang, in his speech, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Olympic Committee to all parties involved. He stated that the preparations for TWG 2025 Chengdu have entered a comprehensive advancement phase. The General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Olympic Committee will coordinate the Organizing Committee's member units, provide full support to Sichuan Province and Chengdu Municipality in their preparation efforts, leverage our professional expertise and resources, and ensure a robust implementation of all relevant work, including competition organization and anti-doping measures, aiming to host a high-quality, high-caliber sporting event that showcases Chinese characteristics and the spirit of the times.

The ceremony also featured activities like the debut of the first batch of official apparel for TWG Chengdu, the "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders" global invitation event, and the kick-off of the "TWG Carnival". Sichuan-born Olympic champion Deng Yawen extended a warm invitation to the world, inviting them to gather in Chengdu.

Attendees at the event included IWGA Treasurer Lukas Hinder, IWGA Chief Executive Officer Joachim Gossow, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province Yang Xingping, Mayor of Chengdu Municipal People's Government Wang Fengchao, relevant persons in charge from the IWGA and the General Administration of Sport of China, relevant leading officials from provincial departments and The Executive Committee of TWG 2025 Chengdu, citizen representatives, and others.