The FISU Board at the General Assembly
KAZAN – On July 3rd, the General Assembly of FISU started its two-day session. After a short welcome by FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien, the floor was given to Ildar Khalikov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan. ‘In three days we will witness one of the most ambitious multi-sport events in the world’, the Prime Minister addressed the General Assembly.
Ildar Khalikov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan
‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all FISU members for the confidence in us to host the Universiade.’ The PM gave an overview of how the city has changed. ‘On the whole, the wealth and legacy left after the Universiade will be a benefit to our people for many years ahead.’ Mr. Khalikov also stressed the cultural part of the upcoming games. ‘We have done our best to prepare an interesting cultural programme, which will help various national cultures to meet under the sign of peace and mutual understanding.’
120 member associations out of 163 were present.
After the approval of the report of the previous assembly, President Gallien presented his report. ‘FISU is more than you think FISU is’, the President said. Don’t forget that our Continental Members and our National Membership organise so many activities and events.’ The President continued about the opportunities; but also the threats University Sport faces as we currently live in difficult times. He summoned the membership to take strategic decisions with a positive attitude towards the future, managing paradoxical challenges. ‘Considering the future of FISU will be in direct extension of the present’, Mr. Gallien commented. ‘Consider that back to basics can be innovative.’
Next, FISU Secretary-General/CEO Eric Saintrond presented his report. Mr. Saintrond gave an overview of the changes in the administration as well as the future developments regarding the FISU offices. He also gave an overview of the recent previous staged events by FISU and informed about the upcoming FISU events as well as the new attribution procedure for the World University Championships. The SG/CEO also gave an insight in the upcoming Universiades in 2013, 2015 and 2017 and the bidding situation for 2019 with Baku (AZE), Brasilia (BRA) and Budapest (HUN) bidding for the Summer Universiade and Krasnoyarsk (RUS) and Valais (SUI) as Winter Universiade candidates.
FISU Treasurer Bayasgalan Danzandorj, Internal Auditor Adrian Gagea and External Auditor KPMG presented their reports while proposals of modifications of the FISU Statutes and Internal Regulations were voted.
After the break the General Assembly continued with the acceptance of new member associations, i.e. Bahamas, Niger, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago bringing the total of FISU Member Associations to 167.
The GA also accepted the possibility for the EC to further continue to explore the possibility for a United Korean Team competing at the Gwangju Universiade, one of the projects of the Gwangju Universiade Legacy.
The first day session of the GA ended with the Membership discharging the EC for the period 2011-2013 and approving the proposed budget for 2014-2015.
C. Pierre, Press Officer