These words are the ones of Dr. Christiane Schenderlein, Germany’s Minister of State for Sport and Volunteering at the occasion of the opening press conference marking the official launch of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.
The press conference highlighted how much anticipation there is in the region for this extraordinary sporting event. The FISU Games offer a stage for young talents from all over the world to highlight their sporting excellence. Many of the participating athletes are already among the best in the world in their discipline and often go on to Olympic careers. 305 athletes from Germany are set to compete in the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games; the largest German team in the history of the FISU Games to date.
Inclusion, sustainability, and diversity are at the heart of the Games. These values come to life thanks to initiatives such as 3×3 wheelchair basketball competitions or the commitment of over 10,000 volunteers to help the events run smoothly.
After the press conference, the organisers invited attendees on a tour of Messe Essen, offering an exclusive look behind the scenes into areas like the Delegation Lounge or the Medical Center. The table tennis competition area was a major highlight of the tour, where Minister of State Dr. Christiane Schenderlein and Minister President Hendrik Wüst played a brief rally with the German athletes Sophia Klee and Matthias Danzer. A moment with symbolic power: approachable, dynamic and in the spirit of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.
A summer of connection and movement
“I am delighted that the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are finally starting after years of tireless commitment. The organising committee, with over 600 employees and freelancers, deserves our recognition and respect. The FISU Games will be a festival of international university sports, science, and communities in the Rhine-Ruhr region and in Berlin. We will show that we can host high-class international events sustainably, innovatively, inclusively – all while bringing joy and excitement. I wish our 305 German athletes and 177 supervisors of Team Studi, the historically largest German student national team in the upcoming competitions, all the best”, said Dr. Christiane Schenderlein, Minister of State for Sport and Volunteering.
“The sports state North Rhine-Westphalia is ready. In terms of sport and organisation, we are all in!”, said Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. “The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region as a cosmopolitan, powerful and dedicated region in the centre of Europe. I am convinced that the people of North Rhine-Westphalia will be enthusiastic hosts in the stands, in the streets and in the many moments when sport and community come together.”
Jörg Förster, Chair of the Board of the General German University Sports Association: “We are incredibly proud to start with the largest German team of all time. This not only shows the growing importance of highest-level student sports in Germany, but also the close and successful cooperation between all parties involved. The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games provide a stage for our athletes to balance athletic excellence with their academic careers. They leave behind a lasting impetus for university sport in Germany.”
Niklas Börger put the focus on the organisation and implementation of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games: “After years of intensive preparation, we are now ready to show the world what this region has to offer: Passion and community, way beyond sports. We have created an event that not only sets sporting standards, but also sends a strong social message of community, diversity, and sustainability. Now, we reap the rewards. Twelve days full of emotions, sporting excellence and international exchange.”
Karla Borger, former beach volleyball Olympian and chair of the board of trustees of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, also spoke about the importance of the FISU Games: “This event is more than a competition. It has a unique spirit, a combination of performance, openness and connection.”
The next twelve days will see emotional highlights, international connections, and impressive sporting achievements. The world gathers at the Rhine and Ruhr – the region is ready for an extraordinary summer story.