The Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games’ official mascot Adirondack Mac proudly waves the FISU FlagOn a beautiful January day, with temperatures hovering around -7C, Mid’s Park on Main Street was the site for the FISU flag raising ceremony to signify Lake Placid as the host of the 2023 FISU World University Games. This completed the flag’s journey from Torino, Italy to the village that is to host the FISU World University Games for the second time. A welcoming crowd and dignitaries took part in the festivities that are part of the one year to go celebrations that have been occurring all week in Lake Placid.

Monday, members of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Organising Committee were in Torino to receive the FISU flag from organisers of the Lucerne 2021 FISU Games. That ceremony took place in the historic courtyard of Torino University, as it was unable to take place at the closing ceremony in Lucerne due to the event’s cancellation in December.

Ashley Walden, Adirondack Sports Council Executive Director, speaks at FISU flag raising ceremony

Saturday, the flag was brought to Mid’s Park by members of the Lake Placid Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department, as well as North Elba Town Supervisor Derek Doty. Before the flag was raised, Doty handed it to Adirondack Sports Council Executive Director and Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games’ Chief Operating Officer, Ashley Walden who then passed it to Village of Lake Placid Mayor, Art Devlin.

In her remarks, Walden noted that this is the second time that the FISU flag will wave in Lake Placid, as the village hosted the 7th FISU Winter Universiade in 1972. That is the only other time the FISU World University Games Winter have been held outside of Europe or Asia.

“The 2023 FISU World University Games will showcase the entire north country region to the world as we welcome collegiate athletes from all over the globe to compete on these historic venues. But reflecting back on their experience it will the community and our passion for winter sports that the athletes will remember,” Walden added.

Mayor Devlin took the stage and highlighted the incredible work being done in preparation for the start of the games. He noted that last summer alone 12 major construction companies were working to make sure everything is in order. He then spoke about the legacy of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games.

“Legacy is a word we hear a lot these days. . .. Legacy is about hosting events while keeping the long-term needs of the community in mind and that the improvements that are made are sustainable and of benefit for generations to come. I can assure you that the legacy aspect of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games has been a driving force since the very beginning.”

FISU flag arrives courtesy the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department

Upon receiving a limited-edition Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games poster, New York State Senator Dan Stec said, “This event is great for our local economy, but more importantly it allows the world to witness some of the best student-athletes from around the globe compete right here in the Adirondacks. I look forward to the 2023 Games and the opportunity for thousands of people to experience all our region has to offer.”

The Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games will open 12 January 2023 and are expected to welcome 2,500 student-athletes from 50 nations. 86 medal events, in 12 sports, will take place over the 11 days of the games with competition to be held in Lake Placid, Canton, North Creek, Potsdam, Saranac Lake, and Wilmington.

Written by Doug McLean