Randy Owen, Sara Evans, Jamey Johnson, More Come Together For The World Games Theme Song

The Music of The World Games has shared its new theme song, “Hope of Alabama,” to encapsulate the strength and power of athletes, teams, coaches, entertainers and fans coming together with Birmingham, Alabama’s presentation of the The World Games 2022.

Produced by World Games Artistic Director Dr. Henry Panion III and penned by Alabama’s Randy Owen, his daughter Allison Owen, and Panion, the track represents a broad range of artists from the worlds of rock, country, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop.

The star-studded collaboration features some of Alabama’s most iconic musical stars, including Owen; hip-hop artist Yung Bleu; country stars Sara Evans and Jamey Johnson; Stellar Awards Gospel Artist of the Year pastor Mike Jr.; NBC’s The Voice top contestants Worth the Wait; Rolling Stones’ keyboardist Chuck Leavell; American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks; American Idol runner-up Bo Bice; Motown legend Martha Reeves; and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

“This song is a clarion call for the world when we need it the most—a call for hope and unity,” says The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “’Hope of Alabama’ is a testament to music’s power to lift humanity to a better place.”

Randy Owen adds,“I want everyone to feel like they’re a part of something larger than just one. A feeling of feeling needed and wanted.”

As the first global event of 2022, The World Games 2022 will kick off on July 7 at Protective Stadium with Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One. Presented by Alabama Power, the presentation will feature live entertainment, special effects, honorable dignitaries and a parade of athletes representing more than 100 countries. Produced by Birmingham-based LRY Media Group, the Opening Ceremony will celebrate Birmingham’s past, present and future. Spoken word artist, musician, educator, and Birmingham native, Sharrif Simmons will deliver a poem in the Opening Ceremonies.

On July 17, the grand finale of The World Games 2022 will commemorate The Games with performances and the opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham. Presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, the final presentation will include the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives of the 2025 host city: Chengdu, China.