Conference comes to a Close as Torch moves on

FISU President Gallien with the WU Torch

ROVERETO – As the games got underway with the preliminary ice hockey, the “University Sport: Inspiring Innovation” conference came to a close down the valley in Rovereto.

Throughout the two days, speakers from several different countries came together to share their ideas on innovation in sport, education and the wider community.

Amongst the participants, there was a buoyant mood as everyone looked towards the distant future of sport and the immediate future of the next ten days of games. President of the Trentino Unviersiade OC Sergio Anesi commented on the outcome of the conference, “It is a new beginning between innovation in sport and university.”

FISU President Gallien signs the Conference Declaration

As the event drew to a close, participants signed a declaration of intent to continue with the matters discussed over the past two days. The content of this declaration included conclusions on the growth and development of innovation in both education and sport, and how this can be used for collaboration in the future. In addition, the declaration commented on sport as a powerful inspiration for technology and science.

FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien emphasized that this was a plan for future generations, “The future began yesterday, it begins today in Trentino and will begin tomorrow somewhere else. Our mission is in all sport, education and culture as well.”

The conference ended with the Universiade Torch arriving at the Mart Museum, where the conference was held. The Torch was passed onto Gallien and Anesi before it completes the final leg to Trento tomorrow.

Fisher Toby, FISU Young Reporter – Photos by Matt Tidcombe, FISU Young Reporter