2011 SU Update: Young Reporters’ Program Officially Opened – Killian Welcomes Press in Final Days as FISU President

SHENZHEN – This morning the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU) welcomed over 60 young journalists to the 26th Summer Universiade inShenzhen,China. The young journalists, who hail from 33 different countries, were addressed at the Shenzhen media centre as part of an official opening ceremony to the inaugural Young Reporters’ Program, a joint effort between FISU, AIPS and the LOC.

Young and not so young journalists

Among those spoke at the ceremony were outgoing FISU President George Killian and AIPS President Gianni Merlo. For Killian, this morning’s address will be one of his last as FISU President as he will be officially replaced by Claude-Louis Gallien following the conclusion of the Games.

In welcoming the aspiring journalists, Killian acknowledged how important the media is to an organization like FISU.

“I’ve been dealing with the press for 50 years,” he said. “I understand the press and I appreciate the press… the media is really the best way to promote [an event like the University Games].”

Killian also discussed the responsibility of the press to stick to reporting on facts and to “be smart enough to know when whoever you’re talking to is just blowing smoke.”

… and very young journalistsFollowing the press conference, a sizeable media scrum formed around Killian as the young journalists, some which are as young as 11-years-old, surrounded the outgoing FISU president, asking questions and taking photos. Killian was even asked to sign a few autographs.

That youthful exuberance was not lost on Killian as he voiced his appreciation of young members of the media while encouraging them to take as much away from the seminar as possible.

“There’s nothing I like better than talking to journalists, especially young journalists,” said Killian. “I hope you take advantage of [the seminar] to really learn something.”

According to Merlo, that enthusiasm shown by the young reporters in Shenzhen today, before the games have even started, makes it the perfect location for the inaugural Young Reporters’ Program.

“Why I have chosen this city for this program is because this is a young city, only 30-years-old,” he said of Shenzhen. “This is a very clean city, very green, it’s amazing out here. The people here, it’s a different feeling, it’s a very open city.”

Merlo added that he hopes the journalists taking part in the program will be able to spread the message of that “new culture” that exists in Shenzhen when they return to their home countries.

(Source: Justin Fauteux, FISU Young Reporter)

Flag ceremony at the official opening of the program

George Killian surounded by young journalists

(Photos: C. Pierre & J. Fauteux)