Birmingham native, film producer and original MTV VJ Alan Hunter has joined The World Games 2022 as an honorary co-chair.
Birmingham will host The World Games 2022, an international multisport competition organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee, July 7-17. About 3,600 elite athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in a variety of fast-paced, emerging sports throughout the event.
Hunter became a major part of American pop culture during his years as one of the five original MTV VJs in the 1980s. After returning to Birmingham, he and his brother, Hugh, formed the film and television production company, Hunter Films, which earned an Academy Award nomination for the short film “Johnny Flynton” in 2003. Currently, Hunter appears on SiriusXM Satellite Radio as a daily host for the “80s on 8” and “Classic Rewind” channels and the weekly “I Want My 80s” podcast. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons.
“I’m excited about The World Games 2022 because it’s going to feature sports as well as amazing live music and entertainment,” Hunter said. “Fans of sports and music – which covers just about everybody – will want to be part of this incredible experience. So do I, which is why I am thrilled to return to my hometown as an honorary co-chair. The fact that The World Games will focus the world’s attention on Birmingham makes it even more special to me.”
Hunter joins Alabamians Charles Barkley, Randy Owen, Vonetta Flowers, Noah Galloway and Cat Reddick Whitehill as honorary co-chairs.
During Hunter’s many years in Birmingham, his other local ventures included creating, along with his three brothers, WorkPlay – Birmingham’s first entertainment venue with sound stage, recording studios, concert halls and offices. Hunter was the founding president of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, now in its 22nd year.
“Simply put, Alan Hunter is a Birmingham icon and a champion for the Magic City,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “We are extremely proud to have someone of his caliber on The World Games team.”
The World Games opening and closing ceremonies will feature a 75-piece World Games Orchestra and The World Games Youth Choir, as well as performances by country music supergroup Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Pastor Mike Jr., Taylor Hicks, Chuck Leavell, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Bo Bice, Worth the Wait and Ruben Studdard. Funk and R&B legend Bootsy Collins will be master of ceremonies. Henry Panion III, university professor of music and director of music technology at UAB, is the artistic director of The World Games 2022 and is creating the musical score for the ceremonies.
Alabama Power is the presenting sponsor of the opening ceremony, while Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc. is the presenting sponsor of the closing ceremony.
The World Games 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the event. Athletes will compete in 34 multidisciplinary sports across more than 25 venues in the greater Birmingham metropolitan area. The event will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. For more information or to buy tickets, including to the opening and closing ceremonies, visit TWG2022.com. Social media: Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)
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