An opening ceremony on July 30 at Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem welcomed 750 boys and 750 girls from 29 countries competing in the International Children’s Games.

A recognized organization of the International Olympic Committee, the Switzerland-based ICG has held the summer event in 500 different cities in 110 countries since 1968. This year, it’s Jerusalem’s turn.

“Seventy years of Israel and 50 years of ICG are found together in Jerusalem. It’s a unique capital, full of rich culture and we are here to celebrate the sporting event of young athletes in the Olympic spirit for the first time ever in the city,” said ICG President Torsten Rasch.

Participants, aged 12 to 15, come from Australia, Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine and United States, as well as Israel.

Matches at several different Jerusalem venues though August 2 will encompass nine sports: basketball, soccer, street ball, volleyball, fencing, judo, athletics, tennis and swimming.

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: Israel21c ]