2011 SU Update: Press Conference closes HoD Meeting

SHENZHEN – Traditionally FISU invited the local press to a Press Conference after the HoD Meeting. The Press Conference was held in the Wuzhou Guest House and led by Leonz Eder, FISU EC Member and Chair of the International Press Committee. Around 40 journalists attended the Conference and were first welcomed by Huang Guoqiang, Deputy Secretary General of the Shenzhen Municipal Government. Dr Malumbete Ralethe, Vice-President of the Supervision Committee for the Summer Universiade and First Assessor, praised the outstanding venues which will be offered by Shenzhen to the athletes from all over the world. He also gave a big compliment to the volunteers. “They are very friendly and helpful, and without their great engagement it would never be possible to organize such a big multisport event”, Ralethe stated. Secretary-General/CEO Eric Saintrond highlightened the fact, that with 24 sports including the optional sports the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen will be the biggest in the history of FISU. CTI Chair Stavros Douvis underlined the high quality of the venues. “In regular contact with the OC, my technical delegates could prepare all details, sport by sport, in order to be ready to offer fair and good conditions for all the participants”, Douvis said. Indeed, the team draw prior to the Press Conference showed the great interest of the FISU member countries to participate not only in the individual sports, but also in all the team sport competitions.

Leonz EderAfter the general comments and remarks from Ralethe, Douvis and Saintrond, the floor was given to the journalists for asking questions. “How can FISU help to further use our new venues”, the FISU representatives were asked. “We already bring highly qualified teams from all the continents to your city, and your promotion of the Universiade is doing a good job”, Eric Saintrond said. “After the Universiade you just have to make sure, that the University Students of your city and the citizens have the opportunity to use these fantastic venues”, he added. Malumbete Ralethe was asked about the problems, the Heads of Delegations might have raised. “If you organize such a big event, you always face some minor problems. But together with the Organizing Committee we will do our best to solve the problems, and to make the stay in Shenzhen an unforgettable and remarkable one”, he said. Some issues, such as the Stadium for the Opening and the Closing Ceremony have still to be discussed between FISU and the OC.

Leonz Eder told the media representatives that for the first time FISU will organize a Seminar for young sports journalists during the Universiade. 10 young sports journalists from all the 5 continents will be invited by FISU, 30 international young sports journalists and 20 Chinese sports writers will be guests of the OC. AIPS will provide 6 mentors and some lecturers for this unique seminar.

Finally, Mrs Wang from Gerflor China made a presentation. Since many years the French company “Gerflor” is an official partner of FISU:

(Source: Leonz Eder)

 Malumbete Ralethe & Stavros Douvis

FISU SG/CEO Eric Saintrond

(Photos: Ren Yuan)