Wallis will compete again for Winter Universiade 2021

The Swiss delegation

TRENTO – A delegation from the Valais region of Switzerland met the President of the Trentino Winter Universiade Organising Committee. Valais bid for the 2019 Winter Universiade. However, the Bid Committee had finally decided to withdraw from the race for 2019 but is seriously considering to stand for 2021. It is in this context that the delegation led by Mr. Gregory Jirillo, bureau chief for sport of the Canton of Valais, met Sergio Anesi, President of the Trentino Organising Committee.

Sergio Anesi took the time to explain in detail to the members of the Swiss delegation all the benefits that the Universiade will bring to the city of Trento and its region. He also clearly listed the constraints imposed by such an organization as well as the need for the support of public authorities. He emphasized the very special nature of the Winter Universiade which is considered much more widely than just a sporting event, but rather as a sports and cultural festival involving political and academic authorities.

The Swiss delegation continued its tour with a site inspection of the skiing and biathlon venues in Val di Fiemme.

Once returned in Switzerland the delegation will publish a report. If approved by the government of the Canton of Valais, Valais will clearly consider a new bid for the 2021 Winter Universiade.

Yvan Dufour

Sergio Anesi (right) explaining the Trentino Universiade project to the Swiss delegates