Kitakyushu, Japan, June 29, 2024: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Executive Committee has entrusted the Japanese Gymnastics Association and the city of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture with the organisation of the 2nd FIG Parkour World Championships.
The competition will take place outdoors on November 15-17, 2024 at the Katsuyama Park, one of the symbols of the city.
With a population of around five million, Fukuoka Prefecture has hosted many major sporting events, including the 2021 FIG Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, which were also held in Kitakyushu.
"It is an honour to return to my birth city for the Parkour World Championships," FIG President Morinari Watanabe said.
"I am sure that the event will attract many fans and will contribute to the development of urban sports in the region by drawing the younger generation's attention."
JGA President Tadashi Fujita added: “It is our great pleasure that the 2nd FIG Parkour World Championships will be held in Kitakyushu city in Japan. Kitakyushu is a familiar place for the gymnastics family as it hosted the Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in October 2021.
“Kitakyushu is a passionate and enthusiastic area for gymnastics. Unlike the previous event, which imposed restrictions due to COVID, we do hope that everyone will fully enjoy the attractiveness of Kitakyushu this time."
Japan’s parkour athletes are also excited about the event coming back to Japan.
“I am very happy that parkour athletes from all over the world will gather in Japan,” said Hikari Izumi, bronze medallist in the Speed and Freestyle events at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, USA.
“I hope that this championship will be an opportunity for those who enjoy parkour, as well as for those who have not yet been exposed to it, to enjoy it.”