STRBSKE PLESO – The 27th edition of the Winter Universiade is a little bit special because it takes place in two different countries, i.e. Slovakia and Spain.
The March Pass
Today, 24 January, 2015 the site that will host the Nordic skiing and biathlon competitions is in the spotlight! Indeed, it is the cross-country skiing finish area located in Strbske Pleso, Slovakia, which is the scene of the Opening Ceremony of the first part of the 27th Winter Universiade (the second part will held in Granada, Spain from 4 to 14 February 2015).
The ceremony was attended by many VIPs including the President of the Slovak Republic, Andreja Kisku and the Minister of Education, Science, Research and Sport, Juraj Draxler who is also the Chair of the Organising Committee.
The FISU Flag carying by famous Slovakian athletes
After the traditional protocol elements performed by renowned Slovak athletes and following the parade of delegations from the 31 countries present, the FISU President addressed the participants:
FISU President, Claude-louis Gallien during his speech
“Mister Andrej Kiska, President of Slovak Republic
Mister Peter Pellegrini, Chairman of Parliament
Mister Juraj Draxler, President of Organizing Committee and Minister of education,
science, research and sport
Mister Michal Sýkora, Mayor of Štrbské Pleso
Mister Peter Siman, Mayor of Osrblie
Mister Július Dubovský, President of the Slovak University Sports Association
Distinguished Authorities,
Students from Slovakia and from all over the world,
Coaches, judges, referees, volunteers,
The arrival of the flame
My dear Friends,
It is a great honour and pleasure for all the FISU Family to be here today, in Strbske Pleso!
It is great to be together again, for this 27th Winter Universiade !
The Universiade is much more than a great sporting event.
The Universiade is a great Dream and a great Ambition!
Dream and Ambition through the dual project proposed by FISU to student-athletes: Champions today, and tomorrows’ leaders!
DREAM?
I just want to tell you :
“Hold on to your dreams, let all your dreams come true! »
During this Universiade, let us dream together because, when dreaming together, we can change the world and this world certainly needs to be changed.
Touching people, making them cheerful, making them set the field on fire, can change their minds. And changing minds changes lives, and changing lives means changing the world.
Remember, not only politicians, scientists, lawyers or businessmen can change the world, but also athletes can change the world; they’ve always done it, since the first Panhellenic Games in Olympia.
The President of Slovak Republic, Mr. Andrej Kiska opening the Games.
AMBITION?
I also want to tell you “Dream big! There should be no limit on your ambition!”
During this Universiade, let us be ambitious together because, when competing together, and not against each other, we can achieve true victory.
True victory is not defeating opponents. The only true victory is to conquer yourself, and, in a competition, others are there to help you do so.
In short, I believe that everything is possible to those who dream, dare, work together and never give up.
You are the ones; everything is possible for you!
Be as you want to be! Champions here during this Universiade, and tomorrow’s Leaders to build a better world!
I now invite the President of Slovak Republic, Mr. Andrej Kiska to open the Games. “
The athlete’s oath
After the official declaration, the cultural programme could begin. It was a celebration of traditions and local folklore, this to the delight of all spectators.
Now, the competitions can start!