Worldwide events Multi-sport events for non-Olympic sports World Games, held first in 1981, stage many sports (though not all) that are not Olympic sports. Mind Sports Olympiad, first held in 1997 for mind sportsMental muscles flexed at Mind Sports Olympiad CNN, 24 August 1997, , retrieved 13 July 2012 World Mind Sports Games, first held in 2008 for games of skill (e.g. chess, go, etc.) The X Games and Winter X Games, which highlight extreme action sports. The FAI World Air Games, first held in 1997, is the premier international multi-discipline air sports event. By occupation Universiade, held first in 1959, for students at universities worldwide Military World Games, held first in 1995, for military athletes from over 100 countries World Police and Fire Games, began in 1985, for law enforcement officers and firefighters worldwide; third only to the World Masters Games and Summer Olympics in number of participants. By organisation and language Commonwealth Games, held first in 1930 (although a similar event was held in 1911) for all member states of the Commonwealth of Nations. Commonwealth Youth Games, began in 2000. Francophone Games, held first in 1989, for French-speaking nations and communities. Lusophony Games, began in 2006, for Portuguese-speaking nations and communities. Pan Arab Games, held first in 1953, for Arabic-speaking nations. Islamic Solidarity Games, first held in 2005, for all member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Women's Islamic Games, began in 1993. By political and historical allegiance Bolivarian Games, began in 1938, for countries liberated by Simón Bolívar Games of the Small States of Europe, first held in 1985, for small states of Europe Island Games, first held in 1985, for teams from several islands and other small territories Goodwill Games, first held in 1986, originally held as an alternative after the boycotted Olympics of 1980 and 1984 (The last edition was held in 2001) Spartakiad, a defunct event involving athletes from the Soviet Union Games of the New Emerging Forces, a defunct event first held in 1963, for the so-called "Emerging Nations" (mainly newly independent socialist states) By national origin/descent or ethnicity Maccabiah Games, first held in 1932, for Jewish athletes worldwide. Pan-Armenian Games, began in 1999. Croatian World Games, began in 2006. Other Gay Games and World OutGames, first held in 1982 and 2006, for the worldwide gay community. World Masters Games, first held in 1985, for mature athletes. Most participants of any multi-sport event, with approximately twice as many competitors as the Summer Olympics. European Masters Games, first held in 2008, for mature athletes (generally for 30–35 years or older, dependent on the sport).
Worldwide events Multi-sport events for non-Olympic .sports World Games, held first in 1981, stage many sports (though not all) that are not Olympic sports. Mind Sports Olympiad, first held in 1997 for mind sportsMental muscles flexed at Mind Sports Olympiad CNN, 24 August 1997, , retrieved 13 July 2012 World Mind Sports Games, first held in 2008 for games of skill (e.g. chess, go, etc.) The X Games and Winter X Games, which highlight extreme action sports. The FAI World Air Games, first held in 1997, is the premier international multi-discipline air sports event. By occupation Universiade, held first in 1959, for students at universities worldwide Military World Games, held first in 1995, for military athletes from over 100 countries World Police and Fire Games, began in 1985, for law enforcement officers and firefighters worldwide; third only to the World Masters Games and Summer Olympics in number of participants. By organisation and language Commonwealth Games, held first in 1930 (although a similar event was held in 1911) for all member states of the Commonwealth of Nations Commonwealth Youth Games, began in 2000. Francophone Games, held first in 1989, for French-speaking nations and communities. Lusophony Games, began in 2006, for Portuguese-speaking nations and communities. Pan Arab Games, held first in 1953, for Arabic-speaking nations. Islamic Solidarity Games, first held in 2005, for all member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Women's Islamic Games, began in 1993. By political and historical allegiance Bolivarian Games, began in 1938, for countries liberated by Simón Bolívar Games of the Small States of Europe, first held in 1985, for small states of Europe Island Games, first held in 1985, for teams from several islands and other small territories Goodwill Games, first held in 1986, originally held as an alternative after the boycotted Olympics of 1980 and 1984 (The last edition was held in 2001) Spartakiad, a defunct event involving athletes from the Soviet Union Games of the New Emerging Forces, a defunct event first held in 1963, for the so-called "Emerging Nations" (mainly newly independent socialist states) By national origin/descent or ethnicity Maccabiah Games, first held in 1932, for Jewish athletes worldwide. Pan-Armenian Games, began in 1999. Croatian World Games, began in 2006. Other Gay Games and World OutGames, first held in 1982 and 2006, for the worldwide gay community. World Masters Games, first held in 1985, for mature athletes. Most participants of any multi-sport event, with approximately twice as many competitors as the Summer Olympics. European Masters Games, first held in 2008, for mature athletes (generally for 30–35 years or older, dependent on the sport).