Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade holds successful on-site HoD meeting

Lucerne 2021 delegation officials visiting StoosWith the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade now less than three months away, Heads of Delegations (HoD) from around the globe gathered in Central Switzerland on 8-10 September following the virtual HoD meeting that was held last June.

Delegations from all over the world reunited in the heart of Switzerland last week to take a glimpse into what they can look forward to this December. Officials from all over Europe, America, and Asia were able to visit the locations in which the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade is set to take place.

“It was refreshing to see our friends from the various delegations in person,” says FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond. “The virtual HoD sessions earlier this year were well conducted and very informative, but I am grateful that we were able to visit the city of Lucerne and the different locations in person, given the difficult situation with the current pandemic — there is nothing else like it and it was much needed.”

In June, delegations were introduced to the city of Lucerne, along with rules and regulations for various functional areas of the FISU Games. Delegations took a deeper dive into the city and the various venue locations this time, with more than 50 delegation officials from 24 countries visiting — this time on-site and in person.

Delegation officials represented countries from as far as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Canada, the USA, and Russia, as well as from countries all around Europe stretching from Turkey to Estonia, and Great Britain to Italy. The variety of nationalities is representative of the strong interest and scope of university sports around the globe.

From the city of Lucerne with its beautiful lake side, historical streets, and its famous Chapel Bridge – and the neighbouring towns of Zug and Sursee – to the beautiful mountain resorts of Engelberg, Stoos, Lenzerheide, Andermatt-Realp and St. Moritz, the delegations were able to visit, plan, and gather information on what they can expect from each location during the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade.

“The Organising Committee in Lucerne were very hospitable and ensured that the delegations had all the information they needed. Congratulations to them for putting on a great visit,” Eric adds.

Over three days, delegation officials got a sneak peek into the preparations for the Winter Universiade and will now take this information back to their delegations to continue their preparations for the Games. With around 1,800 athletes expected from over 50 countries, Central Switzerland is more ready than ever to host the world’s best student athletes at the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade.

Graphic by Lucerne 2021 Organising Committee