2011 WU Update: Erzurum Universiade Closes in Splendour

FISU President Killian gives trhe FISU flag to Maribor

ERZURUM – Today, February 6^th, the 25^th Winter Universiade came to an end as the games were closed with a splendid Closing Ceremony which took place in the Cemal Gürsel Stadium.

After playing the national anthem of Turkey, the flags of all participating countries arrived in the stadium under big cheers from the spectators. Then the participants walked in all together, mixing the countries sending out the message of world unity.

Time for the closing speeches of the authorities as the President of the Organizing Committee was followed by the speech of FISU President Killian.

Then the FISU anthem ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ was played while the FISU flag was lowered and the Universiade flame was extinguished.

As it was time to hand over the FISU flag to the next organizer, the Erzurum Mayor handed the flag back to FISU President Killian, who handed it over the delegate of the Organizing Committee of the 2013 Winter Universiade which will be hosted in Maribor, Slovenia. The Slovenian delegation then gave a short performance inviting the participants to their country for the next games.

The Closing Ceremony ended with a spectacular cultural performance.

The next hosts: Maribor, Slovenia

Speech FISU President Killian

‘Good evening Ladies and Gentleman,

FISU President KillianIt is a pleasure to see you once again after the 10 wonderful days that our Turkish host offers us since January 27th. On behalf of the members of the FISU Family, I would like to thank the citizens of Erzurum and all the members of the Organizing Committee for having welcomed us in such a good conditions. The work you have done together with the enthusiasm of the Volunteers, made us feel most welcomed in Turkey during this Universiade.

This 25th edition of the Winter Universiade will also remain in the history of FISU it being the first time we have had 52 countries participated in Winter Universiade. We believe that the first multisport winter games organized by Turkey will leave an important legacy in the country for the young sportsman and woman of the future.

We hope that all of you who have contributed to this event, no matter what your duties were will forever cherish your role in making this Winter Universiade 2011 a huge success. Your enthusiasm, your hospitality and above all your professionalism, were most appreciated by the athletes, coaches, administrators during there stay here in your wonderful city.

By wishing you all a bright future, I have now the honor to declare closed the 25th Winter Universiade in Erzurum, Turkey.’

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer

Happy participants

Colorful costumes