THE LAMP OF FRIENDSHIP AGWA • INTERNATIONAL SPORTING TRADITION THE LAMP OF FRIENDSHIP From Aalborg 2027 to Formigine 2028 A light that unites sport and peoples AGWA – AMATEUR GRIDIRON WORLD ASSOCIATION 01 | Statement of Intent AGWA – Amateur Gridiron World Association proposes to establish the Lamp of Friendship as a permanent symbol of its Amateur American Football World Championships. The lamp represents friendship, respect, equality, inclusion, solidarity and dialogue among people and nations, transcending cultural and sporting differences. 02 | Aalborg 2027: Presentation of the Tradition The tradition will be publicly presented in Aalborg, Denmark, during the IX CSIT World Sports Games (8–13 June 2027), as part of the Fourth International Workshop “Women, Sport and Respect”, organised by AGWA under the patronage of AiCS and CSIT, subject to the applicable institutional agreements. The occasion will provide an opportunity to explain the meaning of the lamp, its role at future events and its connection with the values of the Formigine Charter. 03 | Respect for CSIT Protocol During the World Sports Games, held in odd-numbered years, the official flame remains the one established by CSIT ceremonial protocol. The AGWA Lamp of Friendship neither replaces that flame nor duplicates its role. Any presence, display or participation of the lamp in symbolic moments of the Games will be agreed in advance with the relevant organisers. 04 | Formigine 2028: First Independent Lighting During the CSIT Gridiron World Championship 2028 in Formigine, Italy, the Lamp of Friendship will be ceremonially lit at the opening ceremony of the AGWA championship. Its light will remain on throughout the event and will be symbolically extinguished at the closing ceremony, as a promise to meet again at the next edition. A safe light source that complies with the venue’s requirements will be preferred. 05 | Continuity Through the Years In even-numbered years, at AGWA’s standalone championships, the lamp will be the centrepiece of the lighting ceremony. In odd-numbered years, during the World Sports Games, it may accompany AGWA delegations as an association symbol, in accordance with CSIT protocol. AGWA may retain custody of a single ceremonial object and symbolically entrust it to each host city in turn. 06 | Values and Participation The lighting may be entrusted to representatives of different teams and nations, with equal visibility for women and men athletes. The ceremony will also express a commitment to combating discrimination and gender-based violence, in keeping with the international “Women, Sport and Respect” initiative. 07 | Proposed Ceremonial Declaration “We light the Lamp of Friendship so that its light may accompany every athlete and every delegation. May respect, solidarity and the joy of sport unite us, today and at future editions of our events.” 08 | Implementation AGWA will develop the lamp’s design, arrangements for its custody and transport, the final ceremonial wording and the necessary agreements with host organisers. This document is a programmatic proposal and does not amend official CSIT protocols. A NEW AGWA TRADITION AALBORG 2027 → FORMIGINE 2028 One Light. Many Nations. One Spirit of Friendship. AGWA – Amateur Gridiron World Association