2013 SU: Evaluation Visit in Vigo - Day 1
April 18th, 2008
Vigo Mayor Abel Caballero
Today, April 18th, the Evaluation Group for the 2013 Summer Universiade spent its first day of visits of the city of Vigo, Spain. The Group is chaired by FISU Vice-President Stefan Bergh (SWE) and is composed of 1st Assessor Michael Ralete Malumbete (RSA) and Assessors Stavros Douvis (GRE), Sinisa Jasnic (SRB), Kemal Tamer (TUR) and Hisato Agarashi (JPN). The Group is assisted by FISU Staff member Christian Pierre. The Group had an early start with a working breakfast and were officially welcomed by Mr. Abel Caballero, the Mayor of Vigo. In his official welcome the Mayor stressed the international character of his city and the readiness of its citizens to welcome the 2013 Summer Universiade. After the welcome, the FISU delegates attended the first working session of the morning.
Vice-Mayor Santiago Dominguez
Mr. Santiago Dominguez, Deputy-Mayor of Vigo gave an introduction of the hosting project of the Universiade. Bringing the Universiade to Vigo will boost the sports involvement of its citizens and create a healthier society. It will also promote Vigo as a city. ‘It is not a project of the city government’, Mr. Dominguez stressed. ‘It’s a project of the whole city: politicians, citizens, students, youth, sports participants etc.’ Professor Alberto Gago, Rector of the University of Vigo explained the importance of hosting the Universiade in Vigo for his University. ‘It will create a synergy between knowledge, science and sport and will therefore have a great legacy, but it will also boost our international relations with other universities, which is a very important factor for a young university.’
Mr. Antonio Montalvo, Secretary-General of CEDU, the Spanish member association of FISU, stressed the total support of the national government for Vigo as host city of the 2013 Summer Universiade. After the coffee break, José Angel Otero gave an overview of the different sport facitilities that will be used for the games. Interesting fact is that the majority of these venues already exist and will be refurbished. A number of new facilities will be built and also a number of temporary venues will be used. Strong point without any doubt is that all venues lie within a radius of no more than 30 minutes distance from the Athletes’ Village.
Rector Gago of the Unviersity of Vigo
After the venue presentation, the FISU delegates visited the University of Vigo, where they were welcomed by the Rector, Mr. Gago. Professor Gago gave a brief presentation about the facilities and the three campuses of the University. After lunch, the Evaluation Group visited the main campus and its sport facilities. They were invited to a tree planting to commemorate their visit. After this ceremony the Group attended a presentation regarding the Athletes’ Village. Architect Miguel Porras explained the green plans for the Village and how the OC wants to incorporate the buildings in the campus without disturbing the natural environment using vegetation-topped roofs and other environmental materials.
After the tree planting ceremony
Video message from former IOC President Samaranch to support Vigo
Visiting the Campus of The University of Vigo
Sports fields of the University
Stefan Bergh plants a tree
After the presentation, the FISU delegates visited the ‘IFEVI’ or ‘Instituto Feiral de Vigo’, a city fair complex hosting some of the biggest international fairs where they were welcomed by Arsenio Prieto, the Director of IFEVI. In this complex, which is in walking distance from the Airport, the OC wants to host three sports competitions, i.e. judo, table tennis and fencing. The IFEVI will also host the MPC and IBC. It is also equipped with a conference hall with a 500 seating capacity and interpreters’ booths where all press conferences will be held. After the IFEVI, the FISU delegates took a stroll through the streets of Vigo and the day ended with a dinner with CEOs from several businesses which will be partners of the Universiade.
The IFEVI Fair Grounds
