The International World Games Association (IWGA), World Lacrosse (WL) and The World Games 2022 Birmingham Organizing Committee (TWG 2022) are pleased to jointly confirm that the men’s and women’s teams representing the Haudenosaunee Nation will be eligible to compete in the TWG 2022 if they qualify to do so under the criteria set by WL and approved by the IWGA.

The decision follows a formal request from World Lacrosse, which asked the IWGA Executive Committee for approval to invite the Iroquois Nationals, representing the Haudenosaunee Nation.

In making this request to the IWGA, WL emphasized the position of honor held by the Haudenosaunee Nation, as the originators of the game. The IWGA Executive Committee, Coordinating Committee and Management Team, recognizing also the strong desire from the international lacrosse community to see the Iroquois Nationals compete in The World Games 2022, quickly reviewed the formal request from World Lacrosse and rendered a favorable decision. The IWGA confirmed that they would welcome any eligible, Full Member of World Lacrosse to compete in The World Games 2022.

It is now up to World Lacrosse to put forward its eligibility criteria and the list of eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams that will compete in The World Games 2022, which could include the Iroquois Nationals. This will require further agreement from other organizations involved in international sport, which World Lacrosse will seek to obtain.

“On behalf of World Lacrosse, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the leadership of the International World Games Association and The World Games 2022 Birmingham Organizing Committee for their favorable response to our request to allow the Haudenosaunee Nation to compete in TWG 2022,” said World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern. “It is clear the leaders of these organizations are committed to upholding the highest ideals of international sport, and we are grateful. Though The World Games 2022 Birmingham are still two years away, we look forward to joining other sports for what we know will be an outstanding event and a memorable celebration of sport.”