FISU President in Beijing
August 13rd, 2008
In the frame of the Beijing Olympics, FISU President, George E. Killian, is still in the Chinese Capital. On August 11th, he had an interview with a journalist from the Chinese Education Television (CETV). During this interview, President Killian talked about his impression about the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and his expectation of the two Universiades that will be held in Harbin 2009 and Shenzhen 2011. He also gave his comments on the Chinese policy that combines sports with education. He said that the Opening Ceremony was very spectacular and that it had succeeded in making China and its culture better known. “The Shenzhen Universiade will probably not have another bird nest, but it will be as good”, said Mr. Killian. He was also proud that many athletes who participated in this Olympiad were university students. “Many of the athletes who have participated in Universiades then become professionals”, he said. After the interview, George Killian and his wife, Marilyn Killian, were invited by Dr. Zhang Xinsheng, the vice minister of education of China and FISU vice-President for a dinner at the China International Hotel. In his welcome speech, Dr. Zhang sent his gratitude to President Killian and FISU for the support they have showed. As for the reply, George E Killian first sent his congratulations to his Chinese friends for hosting a wonderful event. He then reminded to all that “the Universiade is not a junior Olympics”. FISU assessors Dr. Danzandorj Bayasgalan (Mongolia), Michael Ralethe Malumbete (South Africa), Verena Burk (Germany), Oleg Matytsin (Russia) and People from Shenzhen Summer Universiade LOC also joined the dinner. On the night of August 11th, President George Killian was invited by Verena Burk to the German House in Beijing, at the Kambinski Hotel, for the party of “Hamburg Night”. He had a pleasant talk with the members from Hamburg, who are very interested in the Bidding of FISU big events.
