RIO DE JANEIRO – The Pan American University Sports Seminar kicked off in the Brazilian city on 5 February, jointly organised by the Brazilian Confederation of University Sports (CBDU), the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and FISU America.
The objective of the seminar is for FISU to support the development of its member federations, to learn more about their needs, their expectations and to provide as much service as possible.
“It was very good,” said FISU America President Alim Maluf Neto, about the first day. “We had the participation of 19 countries, of the twenty best higher education institutions in Brazil and a packed auditorium.”
Organised at the Brazil Olympic Committee (COB) auditorium, the seminar saw the support of Paulo Wanderley, President of the COB as well as FISU Vice President Luciano Cabral.
FISU Vice President Cabral, who is also President of CBDU, introduced the Brazilian Confederation of University Sports and talked with representatives of the National Federations of the Americas as well as the top 20 higher education institutions.
FISU Education and Development Director Lilia Barieva and Development Manager Tarmo Jaakson spoke of the need to connect with each and every university student in the world, and stressed upon the need for National Federations like CBDU to help achieve this contact.
FISU Marketing Director Christian Monzani presented the International University Sports Federation’s new visual identity and logo that represents dynamism, innovation, inclusion, diversity, gender equality and multiculturalism.
Earlier in the day, Marisol Pedraza, Director of the 2nd FISU America Games, presented the event and spoke about the sports facilities in Mérida, Mexico.
The FISU América Basketball 3×3 was also discussed, as was the 2020 FISU America Forum, which will take place in Costa Rica.
Lilia Barieva summed up day one by saying, “It’s great when all learn from each other. It’s a great opportunity for other federations to see the CBDU example, how they cooperate with the Olympic Committee and how they work closely with the Organising Committees.”
The seminar schedule continues on 6 February.