On Wednesday, the heart of international sport beat in Madrid as the Annual General Meeting of The World Games (IWGA) brought together global stakeholders for a pivotal moment of dialogue and progress. Among them stood one of karate’s most revered icons, Sandra Sánchez, Olympic gold medalist and World Champion, representing not just her sport — but athletes everywhere.
Sánchez attended the AGM in her capacity as a member of the IWGA Athletes’ Committee, carrying forward a message rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and the long-term welfare of athletes. Her voice, both as a competitor and as a leader, highlighted an ongoing commitment to ensuring that the athlete experience goes beyond competition mats and into real life — especially for mothers in elite sport.
“Together, we have a real opportunity to be part of meaningful change for future generations of athletes.”
This powerful statement echoed through the meeting hall, capturing the essence of the Athletes’ Committee’s mission: to foster stronger communication, shared responsibility, and bold action across all sporting disciplines. As Sánchez emphasized, athletes must be supported, heard, and respected, both on and off the field — a sentiment increasingly recognized as vital in modern sports governance.
A Historic Step: Supporting Athlete-Mothers at The World Games 2025
One of the most progressive actions confirmed during the meeting was the new accreditation policy for athlete-parents. The IWGA announced that athletes who have children up to 18 months old at the time of the Games’ Opening Ceremony (7 August 2025) will be allowed to bring both their child and a designated caregiver with them. This initiative will ensure:
- Official accreditation for both baby and caregiver,
- Shared housing with the athlete at the Games,
- And a sports environment where family responsibilities are not a barrier to performance or participation.
Athletes interested in taking part in this policy must register their intent through their International Federation to the IWGA Athletes’ Committee by 30 April 2025. This move marks a groundbreaking moment for inclusivity in elite competition and sets a precedent for other multisport events to follow.
Karate Leading by Example
With Sánchez as a powerful advocate, karate once again demonstrates its leadership in shaping sport with both tradition and vision. As one of the most respected figures in the global karate community, her involvement signals that karatekas are not just athletes — they are changemakers.
The road to The World Games 2025 in Chengdu is not just about medals — it’s about building a platform where every athlete, regardless of gender, background, or family status, can thrive.