With the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) just under one month away, the sport community is gearing up once again on 20 September to ensure the spirit of sport and friendship continues.
President of the Global Association of International Sports federations (GAISF), Dr. Raffaele Chiulli applauded efforts of IDUS celebrations worldwide, which is now in its sixth year.
“Now in its sixth year, the International Day of University Sport will be a true celebration of sport’s return and its place at the heart of the academic world,” said Dr. Chiulli.
Despite a challenging year in 2020, IDUS was still celebrated across all five continents, reaching over three million people through activities carried out in university sport communities. Dr. Chiulli expressed how university sport has already created a better world through physical activity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of sport and physical activity to the health and wellbeing of societies worldwide. University sport’s role in developing healthier, more active lifestyles among young people is key to ensuring a healthy society for generations to come,” he added.
The International Day of University Sport – also proclaimed by UNESCO – is celebrated annually on 20 September and aims at creating links between universities and their local communities with a focus around sport, physical activity and healthy living.
Through this event, FISU aims to involve university students in sports activities and use it as a platform to exchange ideas and best practices within and through university sport worldwide.
“I have no doubt that the event, driven by FISU and its members around the world, will reinforce the important connection between students, universities and local communities. Please accept the best wishes from all of us at GAISF for a tremendous International Day of University Sport,” concluded Dr. Chiulli.
With the return of sport competitions and activities around the world, university communities will also be able to come together once again this year to celebrate university sport. IDUS 2021 is set to break record numbers for participation worldwide.
