Encyclopedia of International Games

The Olympic Games, revived in 1896, are the most well-known international multisport gathering of our times. Since 1896, hundreds of other multisport competitions based on the model of the Olympic Games have been established whose histories have not been as well documented. The Encyclopedia of International Games captures the histories of these games, many of them for the very first time. Dozens of games are now held each year, and this work preserves the histories of both current games and many games that have come and gone. Included in the work are major regional games such as the African, Asian, Arab, South Pacific, and Pan-American Games, and lesser-known competitions such as the Indian Ocean Island Games, Arctic Winter Games, Island Games, and Games of the Small Countries of Europe. Games for specific populations or professions such as the North American Indigenous Games, Maccabiah Games, World Military Games, World Police and Fire Games, and World Medical and Health Games are featured. Dozens of entries cover the histories of games such as the Special Olympics, the Paralympics, games for the blind, and other regional games for disabled populations. Entries on each games are complemented by factual information (when available) including the host city, nation and dates of the games, the number of athletes, number and list of sports, number and list of nations, and medals tables.