FISU acting president looks forward to unique experience in Chengdu

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Leonz Eder, acting president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), said he is expecting unique experience in the upcoming Chengdu University Games.

During a recent interview with Xinhua after finishing his visit to Chengdu for the Heads of Delegation Meeting (HoD Meeting), Eder said, "Participants will enjoy their unique experience in upcoming Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games. The visitors will enjoy not only the sport competitions, but also the educational activities including FISU World Conference and Chengdu's city culture."

The HoD Meeting was held on March 28-31 in Chengdu. For the organizing committee, the HoD meeting is an all-round test event with the delegations' participation, while for the representatives of the delegations globally, this meeting is the best opportunity to learn about the event before its official opening and to communicate with the organizing committee face to face.

Not all the university sports federations could afford sending staff to the HoD meetings, but this time Chengdu organizers provided a live stream to 46 delegations which could not attend the meeting in person to remotely participated in the inspection of 27 competition venues and athletes' village, as well as the Q&A session.

"This attempt of the organizing committee offers delegations an opportunity to save budget, which is in line with the international trend of frugal organization. Inspired by this, FISU will attempt to host more activities in the hybrid way in the future," Eder said.

"At this spring team meeting, I felt that the organizing committee is eager to show their ability of hosting the event to delegates from all over the world. It is based on organizing committee's confidence in their work," he added.

FISU was frustrated by the travel difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic for the past three years, and only Zhao Jing, FISU Games Director - Summer, led inspecting teams to visit Chengdu several times when the Chengdu Universiade was postponed twice.

"Because of the pandemic, the cooperation between Chengdu OC and FISU was drastically hampered. I want to thank especially the FISU team led by Zhao very much for their willingness to be on site several times. Despite difficult conditions, the cooperation between OC and FISU was fruitful, goal-oriented, efficient, and ultimately successful," Eder added.

The Chengdu Games, which was originally scheduled to take place in 2021, will be held on July 28-August 8.

"Chengdu 2021's preparation has been highly evaluated by FISU and delegations. At the meantime, the rich urban culture of Chengdu is also fascinating. The teahouses, the traditional buildings, and Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding will all become unforgettable experiences for the participants. As far as I know, many delegations are looking for additional funding to bring more athletes to the FISU University Games," said Eder.

In order to prevent college students from losing their qualifications due to the postponement of the event, the FISU has adjusted the registration regulations. College athletes who met the qualifications in 2021 can also participate in the Chengdu Universiade.

"Chengdu will welcome the world's highest level of student athletes. The extremely professionally conducted and successful HoD Meeting has increased delegations' expectations and the anticipation for the Chengdu Games. Both FISU and OC are trying to encourage as many delegations as possible to attend," said Eder.