Inter-Allied Games facts for kids
The poster for the Inter-Allied Games, depicting an athlete jumping over the flags of the Allied Nations.
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| Host city | Paris |
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| Country | France |
| Opening | 22 June 1919 |
| Closing | 6 July 1919 |
The Inter-Allied Games was a special sports event held right after World War I. It took place from June 22 to July 6, 1919. The games were held at the new Pershing Stadium near Paris, France.
The U.S. Military and the YMCA worked together to build Pershing Stadium. It was located close to the Bois de Vincennes. Only military members who had served in the war could join these games. About 1500 athletes from 18 different countries took part. They competed in 19 different sports.
After the games, the United States gave Pershing Stadium to the people of France. Today, this area is still called Le Stade Pershing. It is still used as an outdoor park for fun activities.
Sports at the Games
Nineteen different sports were part of the Inter-Allied Games. Some military-style events were planned at first. However, only hand-grenade throwing and shooting ended up being included.
Countries That Competed
Twenty-eight nations from the Allies of World War I were asked to join the games. Eighteen of these countries accepted the invitation.
China wanted to compete. But they could not send their athletes in time. Even so, China helped by providing medals and trophies for the games. The Kingdom of Hejaz also sent a group of people. However, they did not send athletes. Instead, they showed off the skills of their Arabian horsemen. The organizers made a full list of all the countries that participated.
Australia
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Czechoslovakia
France
Great Britain
Greece
Guatemala (1)
Kingdom of Hejaz
Italy
Newfoundland (1)
New Zealand
Poland (1)
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
United States
Gold Medal Winners
Here are some of the athletes who won gold medals at the 1919 Inter-Allied Games:
- Ralph Parcaut - Gold Medal in Light Heavyweight Wrestling
- Paul Prehn - Gold Medal in Middleweight Wrestling
- Gene Tunney - Gold Medal in Boxing
- Max Friedman - Gold Medal in Basketball
- Norman Ross - 5 Gold Medals in Swimming
- Carl F. Haas, William Clinton Gray, Floyd F. Campbell, and Lawrence M. Shields - Gold Medal in Medley Relay Race
- United States of America Rifle Shooting Team - First Place (Team Members included Brigadier General Paul A. Wolf)
