Today, February 15th, the FISU Executive Committee was in session for the second day in Harbin, China, three days prior to the Opening ceremony of the Winter Universiade.
The meeting started at 8h30 when Mr. Cheng Youdong, Vice-Governor of Heilongjiang Province opened with a warm welcome to the FISU Family.
Mr. Al Hai, CIC Chair presents his report‘On occasion of the convening of the FISU Executive Committee Meeting, I would like, on behalf of the Organizing Committee of the Harbin 24th Winter Universiade, to extend our sincere welcome to all of you’, Mr. Youdong addressed the FISU board. ‘It is the sincere aspiration of the Chinese people and government to host a most successful Winter Universiade in its history. With the guidance and assistance of FISU, and the joint efforts of the people of Heilongjiang Province and the Harbin Organizing Committee, all the preparatory work for the Winter Universiade has been finished. At present, tens of thousands of volunteers and WU staff are in place and ready to offer their services to all participating delegations. The three competition sites, Harbin, Yabuli and Maoershan are ready to host all competition events’, the Vice-Governor added. ‘The people of Harbin and Heilongjiang Province are ready to welcome university athletes and friends from all over the world to share the joy and glory of the Winter Universiade!’
Mrs. Burk & Mr. Eder reporting on the Press CommitteeAfter the opening words of the Vice-Governor, the FISU EC members approved the minutes of the last EC meeting in Belgrade and Mr. Killian gave his President’s Report, followed by the reports of the Treasurer, Mr. Bayasgalan and the Secretary-General/CEO, Mr. Saintrond.
After lunch the different FISU committees presented their reports. Today’s meeting ended with the preparation of the General Assembly which will take place prior to the Summer Universiade in Belgrade.
Mr. Dias & Mr. Malumbete reporting on protocol matters An important decision was made today as the FISU Board moved Ski Jumping from the compulsory to the optional sports program of the Winter Universiade. Building a ski jump hill has been considered a heavy burden for an OC and a Bidding City, not only to build the venue, but also to maintain it afterwards. Therefore the FISU board unanimously agreed to make ski jumping an optional sport at the WU. This will also enhance the chance of more future bidding cities coming forward willing to host the Winter Universiade.
Mrs. Odell reporting on the CESUFISU will also launch its ‘City Events’-project. The purpose of this project is to bring together in one event all the actors involved in sport. This congress/forum would gather the international sports federations, the organizers of sporting events (multi-sports or uni-sports), communities, cities and university cities, companies and service providers in the fields of events and sports and educational equipment, professional consultants in the fields of events and sports and educational equipment, major media groups and national and international communication organizations, etc. The object of this congress is to encourage exchanges, promote better awareness of the quantitative dimension and the level of quality of major sporting events, and to facilitate their media coverage. For FISU, the organization of this event will increase the standing of university sport, the expertise of the FISU and the concept of the Universiades, strengthen the ties between the FISU and the important international sports federations, and bring together the major players and decision makers in higher education and university sport. For the hosting city, the organization of this event enables it to promote awareness of and enhances the value of the potential and the assets (facilities, equipments, sporting, educational, scientific, commercial, industrial and social environment) of the hosting city, to give worldwide media coverage of an associated event organized by the host city.
This congress will include the organization of themed conferences (sport/university/employment and careers) or general conferences (sport/education/research) – developments in sports media. It will also enable us to have information on sporting events (winter and summer) and make case studies. A Forum Sport/Business will give the opportunity for programming meetings and individual discussions. Exhibitions will also be organized to showcase the forum and themed workshops and round tables will allow exchanges of views among the various categories of participants.
Tomorrow, February 16th, the 3rd and last day of the EC Meeting, the future organizers of Winter and Summer Universiades will present their progress report.
FISU President Killian & Vice-Governor Cheng Youdong
Mr. Gallien & Mr. Killian
FISU Treasurer Mr. Bayasgalan
FISU SG/CEO Eric Saintrond
Mr. Bergh reporting on the Development Committee
Mr. Gjeloshaj reporting on Education