“I am thankful for the Korean government’s strong will to succeed”

FISU President Leonz Eder, accompanied by FISU Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund and FISU Head of Higher Education Relationships and FISU Master Delise O’Meally, met key members of the government and universities over a five-day visit.

Next year, from 1-12 August 2027, the Republic of Korea will host the Chungcheong 2027 FISU World University Games, welcoming the best student-athletes of the world to meet, compete in 18 sports, attend educational events and experience the country’s rich culture.

From 16-21 April 2026, key members of FISU’s leadership travelled to Seoul, Sejong, and Daejeon city to strengthen its ties with the Republic of Korea, reinforcing existing relationships and partnerships as well as building new ones, helping fuel innovation throughout the world of university sports. 

Strategic meeting with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The FISU leadership, together with and Chungcheong 2027 Organising Committee started their visit with a top meeting with Hwi-young Choi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), to discuss their cooperation to assure the success of the 2027 Chungcheong FISU World University Games.

FISU President responded with gratitude, saying, “I am thankful for the Korean government’s strong will to succeed. FISU will provide all its expertise and resources to ensure the Chungcheong 2027 FISU World University Games achieve the best possible results.” The Chungcheong OC President added that the combination of government support and FISU’s expertise will make this event a historic milestone.

Myongji University awarded FISU President with an honorary doctorate in education.

Leonz Eder, FISU President, who has dedicated over 50 years to the development of university sports and to the holistic education of students worldwide, received an honorary doctorate in education from Myongji University on 16 April.

President Eder’s career began as an educator in 1973, and since then, he has tirelessly worked to integrate physical education with academic excellence. Having served as the Head of the Department of Sports at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and as a leader within the Swiss University Sports Federation, he has inspired thousands of students to embrace the values of sportsmanship and lifelong physical activity.

His leadership within FISU has been equally transformative. Since joining the Executive Committee in 2003 and ascending to the Presidency in 2023, Leonz Eder has successfully navigated the global sports community through the challenges of the pandemic, ensuring the success of major events such as the Lake Placid 2023 Winter World University Games and the Chengdu 2023 Summer World University Games.

Strengthening ties with the Republic of Korea

The honorary degree also recognises President Eder’s profound contribution to the growth of university sports in Korea. For over 30 years, he has been a steadfast supporter of Korea’s sporting infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in the success of the 2003 Daegu Summer Universiade, the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade, and the upcoming 2027 Chungcheong FISU World University Games.

Notably, under his guidance, Myongji University became the first institution in Korea to be recognised as a “Platinum Level Member” of FISU’s Healthy Campus Programme in 2022, setting a global standard for student well-being.

A vision for peace and harmony

“FISU President Leonz Eder’s lifelong dedication to fostering the physical and mental well-being of students aligns perfectly with our university’s founding principles of holistic education and global leadership. His efforts to promote peace, specifically his support for inter-Korean exchanges through sports, serve as an invaluable inspiration to our academic community,” explained Myongji University.

In his acceptance speech, FISU President expressed his gratitude: “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from Myongji University, an institution that shares my belief in the power of education and health. Together, we will continue to use university sports as a bridge for peace, harmony, and the development of future leaders who will shape a better world.”

The FISU delegation concluded their trip by focusing on the operational details of the 2027 Chungcheong FISU World University Games, including visiting the Athletes’ Village in Sejong and holding several meetings and discussions with the local organising committee.