In 10 days, the university sports world will come together, albeit virtually, to celebrate the International Day of University Sport (IDUS). Working within the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic this year, FISU and its member federations are organizing various virtual and limited contact event to ensure the spirit of university sport and friendship is celebrated on 20 September.
In the days leading up to this fifth edition of the event, NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert has stated the importance of university sport, especially during these difficult times.
“The International Day of University Sport holds special meaning for the NCAA,” he stated. “America is home to some of the world’s best college athletic programs where American and international students compete and learn together. Our member schools across the country understand the unique benefits that higher-education provides not only to student-athletes who participate, but also to the communities that embrace their local college athletics programme.”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States is among the world’s strongest college sports bodies, with nearly half a million college athletes representing 19,886 that compete in the NCAA’s 90 championships every year.
Dr. Emmert has been a member of FISU’s Academic Advisory Board since its inception in September 2018 and has always been a strong supporter of the global home of university sport.
“In these challenging times, universities around the world must continue to focus on policies that promote student-athlete health and well-being, both physical and mental,” he continued. “Sports integrated in higher-education can create a pathway to lifelong success.”
And that, in a nutshell, is what FISU and the International Day of University Sport are all about.
