46 current and past members of the programme are involved in the smooth running of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. They occupy all roles, from Head of Delegation to athlete. They met on 22 July in Essen.
After so many monthly webinars and online meetings, the current members of the FISU Student Ambassador Programme as well as alumni managed to take a few minutes from their respective thrilling but busy schedules to meet in person in Essen.
After many hugs and selfies, young students people from all five continents listened to welcome words from two FISU Executive Committee Vice-Presidents, Penninah Kabenge from Uganda and Dr. Verena Burk from Germany, who have both been heavily involved in the programme’s development.
Behind the microphone, there were also two people essential in running and animating all the activities, Bill Thompson, whose speciality is the Springboard Mentoring Programme and Albina Rakhmatullina, the “mother” or “big sister” to all past and current student ambassadors.
Of course, between the welcoming speeches and the testimonies from alumni from Croatia, Italy and Argentina, and from two current members of the FISU Administration – former Student Ambassador and current member of the FISU Summer Games Department, Joshua Miethke and FISU Head of Media and Communication and current mentor in the Springboard Programme Thérèse Courvoisier – an energy-filled activity got participants to meet people they didn’t know and exchange experiences and traditions.
Pumped up with energy and with their Instagram feeds filled with new contacts, all young students went back to fulfilling their duties during the last days of these FISU Games.
Meet some of the past and current members of the FISU Student Ambassadors Programme who have been busy making the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games a success.
Algeria – Volunteer (Official Services) – Halima Sadia Bakkar
“I am a volunteer in the official services sector in Essen. I assist officials during their stay, help ensure they have a smooth experience at the Games, and respond to any questions they may have.”
Belgium – Volunteer – Fien Pollaris:
“I am volunteering in Essen as a tray bearer for rhythmic gymnastics during the Games.”
Costa Rica – Attaché (Chile) – Jackeline Torres Vargas:
“I am an attaché for the delegation of Chile and FISU Family. I help with any questions or needs to ensure their stay here is as smooth and comfortable as possible.”
Costa Rica – Attaché (AIN Belarus) – Sergio Calderón Monge:
“I am serving as an attaché for the delegation of AIN Belarus, supporting their needs throughout the Games.”
Finland – FISU Student Committee & Gender Equality Committee – Lari-Alexander Koskinen:
“I am working at the FISU Student Booth in Essen, engaging with participants and supporting FISU initiatives throughout the Games.”
Guatemala – Jacob Itzep:
“I am working at the FISU Student Booth during the Rhine-Ruhr Games. My responsibilities include operating at the FISU Booth, collecting feedback, promoting educational activities, recruiting NUSFs, and contributing to content for the FSA Programme 2025/2026.”
Italy – Liaison, Messe Essen Information Services – Giulia Ercole:
“I am supporting the Messe Essen Information Services as a liaison, assisting with coordination and communication at the venue.”
Italy – Official Administration – Filippo Corti:
“I am the Institutional Secretary Responsible, supporting the administration of official matters during the Games.”
Kenya – Volunteer (Water Polo) – Elleen Chebet:
“I am a volunteer at the Duisburg Sports Park, supporting water polo athletes with anything they need during the competition.”
Korea (Republic of) – Attaché – Kyung Eun Lee:
“I am serving as an attaché for the Korean delegation. I support athlete management, facilitate communication, and assist with interpretation and team operations.”
Korea (Republic of) – International Relations Assistant – Min Joo Kim:
“I am working with the Organising Committee as an International Relations Assistant. During Games Time, I coordinate the Observer Programme and support Delegation Services across multiple venues.”
Kyrgyzstan – Head of Delegation – Kanat Usupbekov:
“I am serving as the Head of Delegation for Kyrgyzstan at the FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025, overseeing our team’s participation and coordinating all organizational matters in Essen.”
Lebanon – FISU Family Attaché – Tiam El Sous:
“I am a FISU Family attaché. From assisting with transportation to answering everyday questions, I ensure their stay is comfortable and enjoyable.”
Pakistan – Athlete (Judo) – Sahar Waeen:
“I am currently competing at the Games in Essen as a judoka.”
Portugal – Vice-President, FADU – Diogo Salgado Braz:
“I am attending the FISU World University Summer Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025 to accompany the Portuguese mission and represent our federation institutionally. It is a great source of pride to be part of this experience—Portuguese pride! Honouring the legacy.”
Slovakia – Attaché (Slovakia & Ecuador) – Karolína Cepková:
“I am serving as an attaché for the Slovak delegation and partially for Ecuador, acting as a liaison between the delegations and the Organising Committee.”
South Africa – Competition Assistant (Volleyball) – Thato Leon Saul:
“I am a competition assistant for indoor volleyball in Berlin. My role involves collaborating with the competition office, distributing result lists and scorecards, and channeling information between the competition office and the sport information volunteers.”
Sweden – Head of Delegation – Johanna Wilhelmsson:
“I am based in Essen with a special focus on supporting Swedish athletes in athletics.”
Switzerland/Germany – Attaché – Andrea Legarreta:
“I am an attaché for a delegation in Berlin, working to support their experience during the Games.”
Uganda – Protocol Volunteer – Aupal Emmanuel:
“I am a Protocol Volunteer, ensuring the smooth stay of FISU members, guests, and VIPs during the Games.”
Uganda – Spectator Services Volunteer – Mwebe Anna:
“I welcome, guide, and assist visitors on-site, ensure a fun and inclusive environment, and help with wayfinding and problem-solving at the venues.”
Zambia – Athlete (800m, Triple Jump, High Jump, 4x100m) – Alberto Zemba:
“I am representing Zambia as an athlete in athletics, competing in high jump, triple jump, and the 4x100m relay.”
Zambia – Athletes (800m) – Kanyala Innocent:
“We are representing Team Zambia as athletes, competing in the 800m event.”
Zambia – Athlete (800m, 400m) – Mutinta Habeene:
“I am an athlete representing Zambia in the 800m and 400m track events.”
Zambia – Mirriam Inutu Libati:
“I am part of the FISU Family. I help promote FISU educational activities among participants during the Games.”
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