Leonz Eder & Verena Burk, Chair & Vice-Chair of the FISU Press Committee
Antalya – Today, April 30th, FISU delegates at the 73rd AIPS Congress in Antalya, Turkey, came into action as a great part of the morning session of the international sports journalists congress was dominated by FISU events.
FISU Assessor and Chair of the International Press Committee Leonz Eder presented the newest FISU promo video to the congress attendants. The video promotes the Winter and Summer Universiades of 2011, 2013 and 2015. Mr. Eder then ceded the floor to Bekir Korkmaz, General Coordinator of the 2011 Winter Universiade in Erzurum, Turkey, who addressed the journalists concerning the first multi-winter sport event in Turkey and showed the new promotional video of the Erzurum Universiade.
After Winter comes Summer and Mr. Eder invited Ms Tingting Shen to the stage to make a presentation of the upcoming 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China.
Media Director Dejan Susovic & IPC Vice-Chair Verena Burk presenting a FISU souvenir plate to AIPS President MerloAfter the presentations of the Universiade OC delegates an exchange of gifts took place with AIPS President Gianni Merlo. Mr. Merlo stressed the importance of the good collaboration between AIPS, FISU and the future Universiade hosts. Thanks to the joined efforts of all parties a number of young journalists will be able to participate to the future FISU multi-sport events gaining valuable journalistic experience. ‘These are very important projects because work experience during a multi-sport event is truly essential’, Mr. Merlo said. ‘They are pilot projects which will enable us to extend the opportunity to organize seminars and refresher courses.’
In his President’s Report at the congress earlier on, Mr. Merlo spoke also highly about FISU. ‘I was privileged to celebrate International Sports Journalists’ Day as a guest o
f FISU with the youth of the world gathered in Belgrade for the 2009 Summer Universiade. This event confirmed my belief that we as chroniclers of sporting endeavors – no matter how significant they may be, no matter whether on the local or international stage – can make a positive contribution towards breaking down the barriers which lead to conflict around the world, because we are part of the culture of the world. Sport’s message is peace and this was evident amongst the world’s elite student-athletes in Belgrade.’
At the end of the FISU presentations, Mr. Eder invited the attendants in the name of FISU President George E. Killian to a lunch hosted by FISU.
Christian Pierre, FISU Press Officer
Leonz Eder, Chair FISU Press Committee
Bekir Korkmaz, General Coordinator 2011 WU
Tingting Shen, Media Liaison 2011 SU