Winter Universiade kicks off with Head of Delegates Meeting

1st HoD Meeting in Trento 

TRENTO – The 2013 Winter Universiade has officially begun. The 26^th edition of the games got underway with the opening meeting, in which Trentino received substantial praise in hosting the games from FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien.

Rather than the normal six-year preparation, Trentino had only 18 months to get ready after volunteering to host the event replacing original host Maribor.

Regardless, the games will go down in history as the largest Winter Universiade with over 2,800 students from 52 countries taking part.

OC President Anesi with FISU President Gallien and CSU Chair Ulp

The meeting also gave voice to each country’s Head of Delegation to mention concerns, and while the topic of accommodation was regularly mentioned, it was maintained that Trentino exceeded expectations on every matter concerning the small time frame.

The 26^th edition of the Winter Universiade will officially open on 11 December with the Opening Ceremony in Trento. However, the ice hockey teams get in action a day earlier on 10 December.

Matt Tidcombe, FISU Young Reporter – Photos by C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer