The World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) concluded its Winter Meetings and announced that Baton Twirling has moved a step closer to achieving its Olympic Dream and participating in a world multi-sport games competition.
Through its Associate Membership with the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), the WBTF will now be a participant in an ambitious 4-year Games Cycle that is unfolding:
- 2012: World Artistic Games
- 2013: World DanceSport Games, World Games
- 2014: World Artistic Games
- 2015: World DanceSport Games
The World Artistic Games is a new event that will first be held in November 2012. The Host City for the initial World Artistic Games is Hangzhou, China (near Shanghai). The event is being held under the jurisdiction of Sport Accord. Hangzhou will be hosting approximately 850 athletes in the following artistic sports:
- Artistic, Rhythmic, Aerobic and Acrobatic Gymnastics
- Synchronised Swimming and Diving
- Standard, Latin, Rock and Roll, Hip-Hop, Formation, Standard and Show Dance
- Artistic Roller Skating
- Artistic Cycling
- Indoor Aero Musicals
While Baton Twirling will not be included as a medal sport at the 2012 World Artistic Games, it will be one of the demonstration sports at these games. The WBTF will send 1 male, 1 female, 1 pair and 1 team to this event. The World Artistic Games will be held every two years in the even-numbered years. Assuming the first event is successful, there is a strong possibility that Baton Twirling will be included as a medal event at the 2014 competition.
The WDSF is also initiating a World DanceSport Games. This will include all WDSF disciplines, and Baton Twirling is expected to be included as a medal sport at the first event. Like the World Artistic Games, this event will also be held every two years in the odd-numbered years. Bids are now being accepted for the first event, sometime in 2013.
As a member of Sport Accord, the WDSF is a participant in the World Games. These are held every four years, in the year after the Summer Olympics. The next World Games is schedule for 2013 in Columbia – Baton Twirling will most likely not be included in those Games. The 2017 World Games have been awarded to Poland, and it is more likely that Baton Twirling will be included in those Games.
