In his annual New Year address to the global university sports community, FISU President Oleg Matytsin stressed on the importance of hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
“There are brighter days ahead,” he said. “As always, they are brighter because of the hard work of so many.”
Matytsin expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of member National University Sports Federations, to current and future Organising Committees of FISU events, and to the FISU staff for continuing to ensure the university sports movement marched on, despite the hurdles of the year gone by.
Most of all though, he had a message for students and student-athletes around the world.
“Many of you have continued to make sport a big part of your lives, as well as of those around you, despite the obvious challenges of the pandemic,” said the FISU President. “This has taken a huge effort. Please know that FISU recognises and appreciates your effort.”
Looking ahead to the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games, he added: “Hopefully, there will be the chance for the best young university athletes from all over the world to compete together in August next year. Along with us, you can be very confident and optimistic about that.”
The FISU President’s full message can be viewed here: