The games, in which 3,500 athletes from 112 countries will compete in 33 different disciplines, were opened by International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach on Thursday night.
National teams of athletes paraded around Wrocław Stadium in their national colours, in Olympic style, with the hosting Polish World Games team of more than 200 athletes coming in at the end.
Performances by some 400 artists across three stages and a multi-media show showcased the World Games and the history of Wrocław to a full house of 25,000 fans.
Since the World Games started in 1981, Poland has won ten gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals.
Competition starts on Friday with bowling, roller-skating, ultimate frisbee and rock-climbing events.
Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński.
Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński.
Thomas Bach. Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński.
(vb)
Source: PAP