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Summer Universiade 2021 coming along at Chengdu speed

Summer Games 12 September 2019

CHENGDU – With the Summer Universiade having set sail from Napoli in Italy to Chengdu in China, it was time for the home of university sports to turn its attention eastwards. Led by FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond, a FISU delegation headed to the Sichuan Province for an official five-day inspection visit of the host city of the 31st Summer Universiade.

The FISU delegation and the local organising committee were joined by the Vice Mayor of Chengdu, Wang Pingjiang. The parties exchanged notes on the preparation progress, which according to the OC, is moving at ‘Chengdu Speed’.

 

A mainland Chinese city is set to host the Universiade for the fourth time this century, following Harbin in 2007 which was a winter edition, as well as Beijing 2001 and Shenzhen 2011, which were both summer editions.

 

The future host city has undertaken several projects to build up sports infrastructure and further develop the area’s human resource capabilities to host world-class sports events. Chengdu leaders see the Summer Universiade as a way to improve the city’s international profile and modernise it, but also as a solution to urban problems and shortcomings.

 

“Leaving lasting legacies in host cities long after the closing ceremony of our events is always at the forefront of our minds and discussions with local organisers,” said Eric Saintrond. “From our discussions, and what I’ve seen these last days in Chengdu, they are well on their way to delivering a memorable event that will live on here for many years to come.”

 

During the visit, FISU evaluated the preparatory committee’s progress reports, assessed advancements in competition venues and athletes’ village infrastructure, progress in workforce planning, volunteer recruitment and training programmes. During the week, FISU also conducted seminars in the functional areas of transportation, delegation services, sport, and food and beverage.

 

Hosting the Summer Universiade is providing Chengdu the opportunity to enhance its standing as a globally known city of sport, including with the construction of twelve new venues overseen by the Chengdu preparatory committee.

 

Fans and prospective student-athletes aspiring to compete at the event can start following developments as the official event website www.2021chengdu.com was recently launched in four languages: Chinese, English, Spanish and French.