2013 WU: Evaluation Visit in Maribor - Day 1
April 15th, 2008
The FISU Evaluation Group for the 2013 Winter Universiade, composed by Leonz Eder (Chair), Hassan Chikh, Kairis Ulp, Marian Dymalski, Roger Roth and Robert Philips, arrived in Maribor, Slovenia on April 13th, and started the first day of the evaluation with meetings and inspections of some venues for the 26th Winter Universiade Maribor 2013. One of the most important events was the general meeting, at which the organisational and technical capabilities were presented - transport & logistics, accommodation, accreditation center, technical solutions, support and communication, and similar aspects of organising the Winter Universiade in Maribor. Otmar Kugovnik, President of the very active Slovenian University Sports Association (SUSA), said, that the 2013 WU will be organised on a very high level as a green project, so it could be used as a model for upcoming Winter Universiades. ‘We are extremely exposed in the public opinions, that’s why the candidature and organisation of the WU in Maribor is our biggest responsibility’, Mr Kugovnik added. The commission members also visited the sights at Rogla, where cross country skiing will take place, and Ruše, which will host curling. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the delegates were welcomed by the Minister of Defence, Mr Karl Erjavec, who joined the delegation in visiting some of the venues by helicopter.
From left to right: Otmar Kugovnik, SUSA President, Mr Karel Erjavec, Slovenian Minister of Defense, Leonz Eder, Chair of the Evaluation Group
The total investment for the WU in Maribor will be 252.6 Mio Euros (71.8 Mio for the Sport infrastructure, 158.0 Mio for the Accommodation and 22.8 Mio for other infrastructure such as roads, traffic, gondolas etc.). 70% of the budget will serve for tourism infrastructure. ‘The development of needed infrastructure is our long-term legacy. The 2013 Winter Universiade helps to realize this project faster’, Mr Kugovnik said. The technical inspection and briefing on capacities of organising the Universiade in Maribor is very important for the decision of FISU about the organisation of the Winter Universiade in 2013. ‘This year’s presentation focuses on our expertise and experience’, said Mr Marko Rataj, a member of the Organising Committee. ‘Even though we are the only candidate, we have not yet been awarded the Universiade. The final decision will be taken on May 31st in Brussels, where we have the final presentation of the project. Now our attention is focused to the evaluation visit, and to the expert presentation of the candidature.’
Mr Franc Kangler, Mayor of Maribor, receives a FISU gift by Leonz Eder, Chair of the 2013 WU Evaluation group, assisted by Kairis Ulp, FISU Assessor
In the evening, the delegation and the partners were hosted by the Mayer of Maribor Mr Franc Kangler at the City Hall followed by a dinner. Mr Kangler presented the city of Maribor as a commercial and economic center, but also as a site for sports, tourism, culture and edu-cation. ‘You will learn that we are ready for the 2013 Winter Universiade’, he said.
Site visit with Mr Karel Erjavec, Slovenian Minister of Defense
Airial view on Maribor
