29th Summer Universiade opens in Splendor

FISU President Matytsin during the opening of the Taipei Summer Universiade 2017

TAIPEI CITY – In its image as a city of vibrancy and cultural diversity, Taipei enthusiastically reached out with both arms to welcome young athletes from around the world. The 29^th Summer Universiade Opening Ceremony on 19 August was a celebration fit for one of the planet’s biggest sporting events.

 The Brazilian delegation

It just took a while to start as protests for a pension reform outside Taipei Stadium on Saturday night meant the Opening Ceremony of the 29^th FISU Summer Universiade was delayed a bit. Hundreds of people were demonstrating in the hours leading up to the ceremonies, meaning a majority of the 144 participating countries were delayed by over half an hour in entering the floor of the 23,000-seat stadium.

 Cultural performances

However, when the Parade of Nations got going for good, a boisterous and passionate sell-out crowd awaited the more than 7,500 athletes. Not surprisingly, the Chinese Taipei delegation got the loudest ovation.

Aboriginal performances

“Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for,” FISU president Oleg Matytsin said in his official speech. “No one can stop our students.”

 Following the event, FISU issued a statement on its social media channels.

Rock & Pop stars

The evening’s introduction featured the music of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra. There were also appearances by several Chinese Taipei sports heroes, including Mr. Baseball Li Ju-Ming and billiard player Liu Shin-Mei.

After FISU President Matystin and Taipei City mayor Wen-Je Ko made their remarks, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach offered a video message to the athletes. In it, he reminisced of his own memories as a Universiade participant in 1973 in Moscow and 1979 in Mexico City. 

 FISU President Matytsin and Taipei City mayor Wen-Je Ko standing at attention during the playing of the FISU Anthem

“I remember the excitement before the competition, but mostly afterwards,” said Bach, a former fencer. “This is your time to enjoy the sport you love. For many of you the Universiade will be an important milestone in your sporting careers.”

Her Excellency Tsai Ing-wen declared the Universiade open.

 Her Excellency Tsai Ing-wen declares the Universiade open

A number of cultural dances highlighted the evening, which started with the raising of the host country’s flag. Their themes ranged from traditional to creative. The Vibrant Island dance portrayed a magical island created by two tectonic plates colliding. The island is rich in diversity and life. Hybrid Taipei presented a Taipei that was both honouring its past and embracing its future. Global Tribe positioned. All three of the dances were accompanied by awe-inspiring fireworks displays that lit up the Taipei City skyline.

 Baseball legend Chen Chin-Feng swings his bat to light the cauldron

The night ended with the lighting of the Universiade cauldron. After three torch carriers jogged around the stadium and set it on a platform for Chen Chin-Feng, Chinese Taipei’s first Major League Baseball player. The former Los Angeles Dodger grabbed a baseball bat and swung at the torch, lighting up the cauldron with a fireball and officially opening the games.

The FISU Flame is lit

For the thousands in attendance, the evening provided a fitting prediction for how the Summer Universiade will progress. There were plenty of fireworks, cheering and excitement, along with some unpredictability.

Now for the competitions!

Salim Valji (CAN), Young Reporter – Photos: C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer