The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games may have come to a close, but for the group of young reporters involved, their journey is just beginning.
This year, the programme saw a diverse group of journalism students and recent graduates (aged 20 to 25) from all corners of the globe gather in the capital of Piemonte. From the snowy slopes of Bardonecchia to the bustling press centres, they worked tirelessly alongside seasoned media professionals, honing their skills in an environment where deadlines, high-pressure situations, and the need for adaptability were unavoidable.
A step forward: FISU’s vision for the programme
FISU President Leonz Eder expressed his appreciation for the continued success of the Young Reporters Programme, noting how it has evolved over the years. “It’s such a big event, things will go wrong, and because of how complex the organization is, the young reporters had to be ready for these situations,” he explained. “I believe it has taken another step forward from the last Games, and we are ready to listen to feedback as we continue to build on this experience.”
FISU’s Head of Media and Communication, Thérèse Courvoisier, highlighted the challenges faced by the programme participants, particularly the logistical obstacles in Torino. “It was a deep dive into cold snow,” she laughed, adding that Torino’s complex transportation system and the long hauls to some venues made it one of the toughest sites in recent FISU Games history. Despite the inconvenience, these hurdles actually complimented the YRP’s goal of simulating real-world demands of journalism.
“We wanted the candidates to be as prepared and qualified as the athletes,” Courvoisier said. “It’s a tough fight to get into the programme, and we want them to learn just as much as we want articles on our website. Finding that balance was the challenge.”
A global network of young journalists

For the participants, the programme was an intense, yet immensely rewarding experience. Boyi Yang (right) from China shared his excitement about the opportunity to cover snowboarding and free skiing in Bardonecchia. “I met amazing people and discovered fantastic stories,” he said, reflecting on his time in Italy. “This is great preparation for my next step—the Winter Asian Games.”
Switzerland’s Elena Häfliger echoed Yang’s enthusiasm. “In the programme, we covered a variety of sports. For example, I initially didn’t know much about curling, but after covering it, I found myself fascinated and I can’t wait to watch more,” she said. “You have to be realistic, though. You’re not there as a fan—you’re there to discover new angles, ask the right questions, and tell the athletes’ stories. It’s a lot of work, but I can’t recommend it enough.”


Nejc Molan from Slovenia agreed, reflecting on the invaluable hands-on experiences the programme offered. “The best way to learn is by going out into the field, being independent, and doing it yourself,” he offered. “The mentorship and collaboration with colleagues from around the world were some of the highlights. Journalistic stories are one thing, but the exchange of ideas, cultures, and life experiences is special.”
For Veronica Garcia of Mexico, the experience of seeing snow for the first time in Bardonecchia was a special moment. “All I wanted was to experience covering a multi-sport winter event, I got that and then some,” she said. “The mentors provided great support, and the connections we formed with each other as reporters were equally significant. We became close and learned a lot from one another.”


Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei from Ghana also saw the value in the programme’s sense of community. “The venue media managers were incredibly helpful and supportive, particularly with live interviews, which was essential for many of us as it was our first time doing them.”
Looking back on the programme, I (Mackenzie Barwell, fourth from the left) can speak on behalf of the group when I say you leave this experience more confident, with a broader perspective of the world, and a sense of readiness for the future. We all gained so much—from interview mishaps to meeting tight deadlines, these were high-pressure situations that we’ll face in our careers.

What sets this experience apart is the safety net provided by our mentors. They are the heart of the programme, the element that makes it truly special and unique. Michel Bélanger and Stéphane Jobin share a passion for developing aspiring journalists, just as much as they do for their own careers in sports media—a rarity in the industry. Their one-on-one feedback and dedication to supporting us made growth inevitable over the course of the games.
A transformational experience
While the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games highlighted athletic excellence, the Young Reporters achieved that same level of distinction in journalism. This experience has sparked both personal and professional growth, fostered lasting cross-cultural connections, and nurture the future of sports media.
The national and international young reporters diplomas ceremony
With opportunities for alumni to serve as correspondents and gain valuable experience, the FISU media network and family will only continue to expand. As participants head back to their home countries, there’s hope that the programme keeps growing, providing future generations of journalists not only with the opportunity to cover top-tier sporting events, but also to connect with people who will leave a lasting impact on them personally.
The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games took place from 13-23 January. Watch all the replays on fisu.tv.
Written by Mackenzie Barwell, FISU Young Reporter, Canada
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.