At a time when global unity is needed more than ever, a new theme song encapsulates the strength and power of a moment where athletes, teams, coaches, entertainers and fans from all different walks of life and cultures will be together for Birmingham’s presentation of the The World Games 2022. Available everywhere today, “Hope of Alabama” is a star-studded collaboration that merges genres and generations.

The track will be the official theme song of The World Games 2022 and features some of Alabama’s most iconic musical stars, including Randy Owen of the group Alabama, 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 legendary Blind Boys of Alabama, with the combined youth and adult choirs of The World Games 2022.

Produced by World Games Artistic Director Henry Panion III and penned by Owen, his daughter Allison Owen along with Panion, “Hope of Alabama” brings a fresh voice to the world from a community that has experienced its share of trials, hardship and tribulations. Yet, through its music, represented here by the broad range of artists from the world of rock, country, R&B, gospel and hip-hop, the message of “Hope of Alabama” is one of eternal unity and love to the world. As athletes from across the globe descend on Birmingham for The World Games this summer, these Alabamians will send them back to their homelands not only with medals, but with this message: “Hope of Alabama is the hope for all the world. Every man can hold on, every woman, boy and girl. It is the dawn of the new day, when love is what we bring. Everybody sing, sing, sing!”

“This song is a clarion call for the world when we need it the most – a call for hope and unity,” said 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.”

“Hope of Alabama” is available to purchase or stream. (The World Games)

As the first global sporting event with spectators in 2022, there’s never been a more immediate call for global strength and togetherness. The World Games 2022 will kick off on July 7 at Protective Stadium with “Unlocking the Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One.” The evening will be a colorful celebration of sport and Birmingham history. Presented by Alabama Power, it will feature live entertainment, special effects, 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 be delivering a poem in the Opening Ceremonies. On July 17 at Protective Stadium, the grand finale of The World Games 2022 “One World-One People: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement & Unity” will commemorate The Games with incredible performances and the opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham. Presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, the finale will include the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives of 2025 host city Chengdu, China.