Every four years, just like the Olympics, the World Games bring together thousands of elite athletes from all over the globe. But unlike the Olympics, this international multi-sport event is dedicated to disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games. Some of the sports are korfball, squash, martial arts, archery, gymnastics, and many more. It’s a showcase of athleticism, culture, and community that puts the spotlight on sports that deserve their own world stage.
The World Games are overseen by the International World Games Association (IWGA) and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The most recent edition took place in Chengdu, China, and the next Games will be hosted in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2029.
China’s Incredible Hosting
From the moment I arrived in Chengdu, it was clear how much pride China poured into this event. The organization was meticulous, from athlete transportation to venue design, and everything ran with precision. The opening and closing ceremonies were breathtaking, complete with spectacular fireworks, vibrant performances, and celebrations that made you feel the weight of this global gathering.
Representing Chiropractic at The Games
I was honored to be part of a team of 50 sports chiropractors from around the world, brought together by FICS (the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic). Our mission was simple but powerful: to keep athletes moving, performing, and recovering at their very best.
Over the course of two weeks, we delivered more than 3,400 treatments to athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and a reminder that chiropractic care isn’t just about pain relief. The FICS slogan is “Every Athlete Deserves Access to Chiropractic Care”.
The Athlete Village: Living Among the Competitors
One of the most memorable parts of the Games was life in the athlete village. Imagine a buzzing community where competitors from every corner of the world lived, trained, and relaxed together. The village had everything: cafeterias with global cuisine, recreation centers, gyms, cultural arts and crafts activities and shows.
The Care We Provided
Our toolbox was full, and every day brought something new:
Chiropractic adjustments to restore mobility, balance the nervous system, and reduce pain
Manual therapy to release tight muscles and fascia, improving range of motion and recovery
Taping techniques to stabilize and support injured areas while still allowing athletes to compete
Movement corrections to address imbalances and prevent future injuries
What made this experience especially powerful was the collaboration with medical doctors and other healthcare providers. At events like archery, I worked directly with physicians to assess athletes and ensure their care was both safe and effective. The teamwork was seamless and inspiring, which is exactly what athletes at this level deserve.
Showcasing Chiropractic on a Global Scale
As a chiropractor in Haarlem, my day-to-day work involves helping newborns, moms, athletes, and office workers move and feel better. But in Chengdu, the world got to see what I already know: chiropractic is for everyone, and it’s essential for performance, recovery, and overall health.
Seeing an athlete walk in with pain or stiffness and walk out ready to step back into competition was incredibly rewarding. For sports like martial arts, gymnastics, and squash, where the body is pushed to the absolute limit, chiropractic often made the difference between sitting out or stepping back into the arena.
Beyond the Treatment Rooms
Of course, this trip was also about experiencing a new culture. In between long treatment days and bus rides to venues, I managed to explore Chengdu:
Hiking Qingcheng Mountain, the birthplace of Daoism
Wandering the alleys of Jinli Street and the busy heart of Tianfu Square
Visiting dozens of temples scattered across the city
Playing korfball with volunteers
Being stopped by an English class of kids eager to practice conversation
Watching the famous Anshun Bridge light up at night
Visiting the Great Wall of China
These moments made the trip unforgettable.
A Trip of a Lifetime
The opening and closing ceremony, with its fireworks and celebrations, felt like the perfect beginning and ending. It was more than just the finale of a sporting event. It was a celebration of everything we had worked for: athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and the global unity of chiropractic.
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with chiropractors from across the world, united in our passion for helping athletes perform at their best, was one of the greatest honors of my career.
Bringing It Home
Now that I’m back at The Movement Recipe in Haarlem, I feel re-energized. Every adjustment I deliver here carries the same commitment I had in Chengdu, which is helping my community move better, recover faster, and live healthier.
Why It Matters
The World Games reminded me that chiropractic is global, growing, and vital. Whether you’re a world-class athlete or someone just wanting to live without pain, chiropractic helps the body adapt, recover, and thrive.
I’ll carry this trip with me forever, and I’m endlessly grateful to FICS for giving me the opportunity to represent chiropractic on the world stage.
