POWERGRAMS

PROFILES 13 Porter said he learned a a lot as chairman of the $65 million event, that he was "very humbled" to help direct the monumental effort. The Birmingham Games began without an office, computer, telephone, paid worker or volunteer, but through the following years those elements and 15 world-class venues were readied. He spent much of the first year learning about the International World Games Association and its sports, meeting with IWGA and local leaders and traveling to Poland for the 2017 Games. "We came back energized that Birmingham could not only host but excel with the Games," Porter said. "We were confident Birmingham could put on a great show. I think we did that." The Birmingham Games were the 11th international event dating back to the inaugural 1981 Games in Santa Clara, California, which was the last that had been in America. Birmingham set records for the most official sports (30), most nations participating (108), medal events (223) and athletes (3,633). Porter said being able to present gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as Vulcan statuettes, to the victorious athletes was "an amazing experience" that he will always cherish. "It brought chill bumps, especially standing beside them as their national anthem was being played and their flags were displayed overhead," he said. "These are the best athletes in their respective sports in the world. It was kind of surreal, not only thinking about the athletes but the nations they represented." In the week following the Birmingham Games, IWGA President Jose Perurena wrote from his offices in Madrid, Spain, congratulating Porter on the achievements "against all the odds" amid the pandemic, political upheaval and economic downturn. "We have all gathered memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives," Perurena said. "Birmingham in Sweet Home Alabama now occupies an enduring place in the hearts of several thousand sporting ambassadors right around the world." Porter said he'd do it all again if The World Games opportunity was presented. "Everyone in this community can say they witnessed a once-in-a- lifetime event," he said. "My daughters witnessed history and they will always be able to say their father was a part of that." By Chuck Chandler radio broadcasts statewide, a frequent guest on podcasts and any other channel available, promoting the Games and pushing ticket sales. He became the public face of the largest assembly in Alabama history. Sellers' memories multiplied as the 11 days were counted off, but two "are seared" into his mind. "The first is seeing the entire stadium giving a standing ovation to the Ukrainian athletes as they entered Protective Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. I got a little choked up when it happened," Sellers said. "The second moment was during the sold-out medal round of breakin' at Sloss Furnaces. The crowd was so diverse. Everyone was smiling and cheering together. And I could see people just looking around the venue and taking it all in. In that moment, it felt like there was a collective belief that Birmingham can do big things when we all come together." Julie and Nick Sellers' 25th wedding anniversary was during The World Games; she was busy volunteering and he was tying up loose ends wherever he was needed across the Birmingham sports venues. They had a quick dinner together before heading back to the Games. The Sellers and their three children hope to eventually make up the summer vacation they missed. In late August, the World Games' staff was working normal hours as workers went about the tedious business of tearing down and cleaning up venues, shipping equipment back to vendors, cataloguing equipment for public sale, preserving documents and legacy data, having post-mortem analyses with partners and similar work winding down the organization. Sellers anticipated being the person who turned off the last light when the final bill was paid late this year. "It ranks as the most complex, yet rewarding experience in my career. I've learned so much. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it," Sellers said. "I'm proud of what we all achieved with the help of our board, led by my chairman and teammate Jonathan Porter, our partners and so many in the community. We showed the world that Birmingham has come a long way and we can be an international destination." By Chuck Chandler Porter (right) and Nick Sellers greet the media prior to the World Games. Sellers speaks to media days before Opening Ceremonies. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SZNAJDERMAN PHOTO BY MICHAEL SZNAJDERMAN

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