Heads of Delegation Meeting: Day 1
April 5th, 2007
Group picture with the participants of the Head of Delegation Meeting
FISU President George E. Killian
Today, April 5th, the first day of the Heads of Delegation Meeting for the 2007 Summer Universiade started at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok. In the morning session of this first day of meetings, the delegates were welcomed by FISU President George E. Killian. After his welcome remarks, Prof. Wichit Srisa-an, Minister of Education and Chairman of the UBOC 2007 took the floor to welcome the delegates of 49 nations. In his speech, the Minister stressed once more the commitment of the Thai Government for these Games: ‘I would like to convey to all of you here at this meeting that the Royal Thai Government has pledged its full support for the organisation of the 24th Universiade Bangkok 2007.’ After the opening speeches of both VIPs, the delegates got to watch a video presentation on the preparation of the Universiade. Then everybody was invited for a group picture on stage.
Prof. Wichit Srisa-an, Minister of Education and Chairman of the UBOC 2007
After the coffee break, progress report presentations were given by Mr. Ekaphong Lauhathiansind, Executive Office UBOC, regarding pre-arrival, immigration procedures and accreditation; Dr. Siriwan Rattanakarn, Protocol and Reception Committee, regarding protocol, reception and transportation and Asst. Prof. Prabhas Wungsakanjana, Facilities, Accommodation and Food Services Committee, regarding the Athletes’ Village. After the lunch, the delegates left for Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus under police escort to beat rush hour traffic to visit the main sports centre and the Athletes’ Village.
Cultural dances at the Official Welcome Dinner
On campus, the delegates inspected the accreditation centre, the international zone, the Athletes’ Village, the Athletics Stadium, the Aquatic Centre (swimming and diving), Gymnasium 4 and 6 (respectively hosting judo and taekwondo) and the Main Press Centre. In the evening the delegates were invited to the Official Welcome Dinner hosted by the UBOC in the Napalai Ballroom at the Dusit Thani Hotel. The delegates witnessed a cultural performance of traditional Thai dances and classical music and songs performed by the Thammasat University Arts Students. Top of the bill was the FISU Anthem ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’, performed in a Thai translation by the student choir. Tomorrow, April 6th, the Heads of Delegation will continue their visit of the venues.
Asst. Prof. Prabhas Wungsakanjana, Mr. Ekaphong Lauhathiansind & Dr. Siriwan Rattanakarn
Delegates during the morning session
Visiting the Thammasat University Rangsit Campus
Internet connections in the Athletes' Village
One of the pools of the Aquatic Centre
