Officially Opened
FISU Secretary-General Eric Saintrond
Today, June 24th, the Athletes' Village for the Belgrade Universiade was officially opened. The highest authorities of the Organizing Committee were involved in the inauguration.
Serbian folk dancersAfter cadets from the Military Academy marched in the flag of the host nation and the five-star FISU flag, the invited guests were welcomed by Mr. Bozidar Delic, the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Minister of Science and Technological Development and Chairman to the UB2009 Organizing Committee. Belgrade Mayor Dragan Dilas thanked FISU for its assistance and belief in Belgrade to host the Games.
FISU Secretary-General Eric Saintrond spoke on behalf of FISU. ‘Today is the day the Universiade "takes off". The moment that we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. During more than 3 weeks, Belgrade will turn into the world capital of university youth', Mr. Saintrond said. ‘The opening of the Universiade Village is a symbolical moment which announces the arrival of the first delegations. We know the great efforts that the Organizing Committee, the Serbian authorities and the thousands of volunteers have put into making this dream possible', the FISU SG added. ‘There is no doubt that the 9,000 participants will demonstrate to be great ambassadors of Serbia and of Belgrade within their own country as they will appreciate your hospitality as well as your generosity and great cultural richness and diversity', Mr. Saintrond shared.
The Universiade Village is the soul of the Games. During 3 weeks, student-athletes from all over the globe will live together in harmony. In the ‘their Village' they will not speak about politics or religion but about projects for the future of our society. Some 9,000 participants from 150 countries are expected. After the Games the apartments will be sold to the public, leaving a great housing legacy for the people of Belgrade.
Deputy PM Delic, FISU SG Saintrond and FISU Vice-President Bergh having a meal in the Village Restaurant (Photo Tanja Dobrosavljevic)
After the ceremony, the attending guests were invited for a meal in the Village Restaurant.
Deputy PM Bozidar Delic, FISU SG Eric Saintrond & Belgrade Mayor Dragan Dilas
Arrival of the FISU Flag and the flag of the host country
The hoisting of the FISU flag inthe Athletes' Village
