Serving as a platform to share information and answer questions, the Head of Delegation (HoD) Spring Meeting for the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games was held virtually on 28 February. 79 National University Sports Federations (NUSF) attended the three-session meeting as did representatives from FISU and the Executive Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games.

The meeting focused on 14 functional areas being worked on in preparation for the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games that will open on 26 June 2022. Along with outlines of relevant policies and procedures, the areas discussed included:  

• COVID-19 prevention and control
• Medical services
• Visa and international transportation
• Sports and doping control
• Accreditation
• Arrival and departure
• Rate card
• Delegation spectating services
• Transportation
• Opening and closing ceremonies
• Cultural activities
• Accommodation
• Delegation services
• Food and beverage

From these topics, delegations were encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and outline any challenges with how planning is progressing. The HoD therefore provides an effective forum to streamline planning and navigate any issues well in advance of the arrival of delegations.

Thanking FISU for it support in planning and Chengdu for all the work done to prepare for the 2021 FISU Games, President of the Federation of University Sports of China (FUSC), President of Peking University, and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games, Hao Ping delivered greetings to participants. He said, “Although the pandemic situation remains grim, we are fully confident and prepared that we will be able to host the Games as scheduled. We will learn from the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, fully consider the suggestions and concerns of FISU and all delegations, and promptly adjust our policies on epidemic prevention and control, medical services, visa, competition, accreditation, arrival and departure, opening and closing ceremonies, transportation, food and beverages, cultural activities, and delegation services accordingly. You will see a brand new Chengdu ready to welcome university student athletes and guests from all over the world,”

FISU Acting President Leonz Eder expressed his thanks for the work done by the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Organising Committee. Speaking on video, he also praised public authorities for their support in fulfilling the promise of hosting an exceptional FISU World University Games and said FISU is excited to see the world’s university student athletes gather this summer in Chengdu.

With there being just over 100 days to the opening ceremony, excitement is building, and the Head of Delegation Spring Meeting represents another significant milestone on the road to the start of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games.

WRITTEN BY DOUG MCLEAN