Sergio Anesi & Alberto Pacher
KAZAN – On July 4th, the FISU General Assembly was in session for the 2nd consecutive day. After the welcome by FISU President Gallien and Secretary-General/CEO Saintrond, the floor was given to the Organising Committees of the upcoming Summer and Winter Universiades. Sergio Anesi, President of the Trentino OC gave an overview what the delegations can expect next December in Trentino during the 26th Winter Universiade. President of the Autonomous Province of Trento Alberto Pacher invited the delegations to participate in Trentino. ‘The motto of our Universiade is INSPIRED BY YOU and our hope is to turn this Universiade on Youth-Culture-Sports into a source of inspiration for Trentino, for Italy and for the rest of the World, the President said. ‘I really hope to see you all in Trentino during the next Universiade.’
Natalia Parshikova
Next, Kazan Universiade Village Mayor Farid Abdulganiev showed via video and presentations what the Kazan Universiade has in store for all participants, not only the sporting competitions, but also the rich cultural programme with Sabantuy, the typical Tatar festival and the daily show of world famous Cirque du Soleil. Natalia Parshikova, Secretary of State, Deputy Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation also addressed the Assembly: ‘We are proud to make our own contribution to the international student sport. I invite you to all that Kazan has to offer, not only sport venues, but also historical and cultural sites. Kazan opens up for the world. I wish success to all of you!’
Yoonsuk Kim
Yoonsuk Kim, Secretary-General of the 2015 Gwangju SU presented an update of the progress made in the preparations of the 28th Summer Universiade. ‘After Kazan, all the necessary administrative and sport-related procedures for all delegations will be speeding up. Gwangju has been working hard with great enthusiasm to make sure our Universiade is remembered as one of the best ever held.’
Aurelio Ureña
Aurelio Ureña, CEO of the 2015 Granada Winter Universiade presented an update of the Spanish preparations. ‘The participants will have a great opportunity to live the event together with the city where the University has a vibrant presence.’
Next, the Assembly watched video presentations of the 2017 Winter Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan and the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei.
Stefan Bergh, Sture Espwall & Leonz Eder
Vice-President Leonz Eder, WUC Chair gave an overview of the 2012 World University Championships and the upcoming events in 2014. He also explained the new attribution procedure for 2016.
A special award was given to the Swedish NUSF that celebrated its 100th Anniversary this year for hosting the 1st WUC Handball in Lund (1963).
Rosaura Mendez & Sjur Oyen
Assessor Rosaura Mendez, Chair of the Gender Equality Committee, presented the Women’s Award to the Norwegian NUSF. The Award was received by its President Sjur Oyen: ‘I’m very humble to receive this award. It is not only the recognition of team work but also the recognition of the great work of the FISU Forum in Taipei where we were inspired to pursue our project.’
FISU President Gallien & the recipients of the Award ‘Jean Petitjean’
President Gallien explained to the Assembly the new FISU Award ‘Jean Petitjean’ for outstanding services to the FISU Community. The award was given to former EC members Alf Laser (AUS), Frits Holzer (SUI), Roberto Outeiriño (ESP), Li Guobin (CHN) and Madgid Gadouche (ALG).
C. Pierre, Press Officer