GWANGJU – An emotional speech was given by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for this 28th Summer Universiade. The 28th Universiade Opening Ceremony was opened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon who unfortunately could not attend to the ceremony but sent his warmest words to the city of Gwangju via a short video address. Mr. Ban Ki-moon emphasized the importance and necessity of youth’s involvement into sports close to education and human rights. “A lot of people came from all around the world to be part of these games, which are a catalyst for progress. This Summer Universiade means world, trust and peace because we are all the same. We are constructing a better world to the generations which are coming”, he stated.
Mr Yoon Janghyun, the Mayor of Gwangju
Also Mr Yoon Janghyun, the Mayor of Gwangju, expressed his gratefulness to the world. He welcomed all the athletes, delegations, assistants of the ceremony, and everybody to the beautify city of Gwangju and to the Summer Universiade. “The city of Gwangju welcomes the youth with open arms, dear future lights of the world, enjoy the city, light up and warm up the world”, he said. “There are 1.5 million of citizens in this city and we welcome them too”. Mr. Yoon Janghyun also took this opportunity to thank FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien, for making these fantastic games possible.
GUOC’s Co-President Kim Hwangsik
GUOC’s Co-President Kim Hwangsik also gave his speech. The Co-President of the Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) emphasized the importance of the youth’s involvement in these games. “With this Summer Universiade youth and students are taking another challenge, with the value of respect, service and sharing athlete’s efforts will see the light”, he said.
“With the overwhelming environment on the stadium, democracy and human rights are present”, he added. “The city of the light” has been working with great capability for the past six years to be able to make these games possible and to give a perfect and organized sporting event, “We are the heroes of this Summer Universiade!”, exclaimed.
FISU President Gallien
Of course the audience was waiting for the speech of the FISU President, which gave commemorative words. FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien: “Engaged together we change the world”! With great happiness Mr. Gallien went on stage to express his words regarding this 28th SU. “Authorities, referees, students… we are all finally here today. I’m sure this is going to be a fantastic Universiade because Gwangju is the city of the light, is a city of culture and youth”, he said. Mr. Gallien also expressed that this great event is more than a multi-sport event, “there were six working years on this SU, so the legacy of this shall be ambitious and ambitious is to dream big. Today’s stars, tomorrow’s leaders! Engaged together we change the world”, declared.
The FISU President spoke up and emphasized the importance of working together, and not only referred to the youth and students but scientists, businessmen and businesswomen, to everybody. “The victory is to compare yourself, to work together and never give up. With you and for you everything is possible”, he stated.
President of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Madam Park Geun-hye
This wonderful ceremony in Gwangju could not miss the valuable attendance of the head of the State as the Korean President attended the opening ceremony. Her Excellency Mrs. Park Geun-hye was present at the opening ceremony and expressed her satisfaction and gratefulness towards the people who made these games come true. She also invited the world to take a look at the city that increasingly develops her structure, culture and potential of continued growth. She then officially declared the Universiade open.
Karen Quintero (COL), Young Reporter