The newly formed Student Committee gathered online on 17 April for their inaugural meeting. With a fresh mandate ahead, the Chair Agnes Ancic-Valkai, wasted no time in communicating the objectives for three years full of promises and purpose.
The Committee is a great mix of diversity, representing a multitude of cultures and countries, notably Argentina, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Lebanon, Nigeria, Slovakia and Uganda. The members’ journeys, marked by remarkable achievements, draw an authentic picture of dedication and passion for change. Among them, Lara Chehayeb (top right in the picture) from Lebanon, Chengdu 2021 FISU Games participant and current FISU Student Ambassador, can bring her personal experience of the thrill of competition and the importance of athlete support, and much more.
“I’m honored to be part of the Student Committee as I am thankful for my role as a FISU Student Ambassador for Lebanon. This has allowed me to broaden my opportunities and work towards building a community of healthy individuals involved in sports, mainly university sport. As a student athlete myself, my goals and visions are in line with those of FISU and I hope to aid in creating a platform and space where university sport is elevated.”
Several of the members once served as FISU Student Ambassadors, incarnating the spirit of global University Sport engagement and cultural exchange. Svea Thamsen from Germany is actively preparing to host the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games and can share her enthusiasm and insider knowledge with her fellow new colleagues.
Each member, with their unique blend of sports backgrounds, academic pursuits, and volunteer experiences, adds a special flavour to the Committee. Motivated and driven, all the members collectively committed to focusing on three key pillars: Student Governance, FISU Student Ambassadors, and enhancing the experience of student-athletes in FISU events.
Make a tangible difference
Their motivation to make a tangible difference could be felt throughout the virtual meeting, setting the stage for a path filled with innovation, collaboration, and impactful projects. As the young and dynamic members dive into this journey, lot of excitement for the fruitful teamwork and game-changing ideas that await in the coming years. Michal Cmelik (second row far right on the picture) from Slovakia is ready to work hard to reach the goals set during this anchoring meeting.
“Now, as a newly appointed member of the FISU Student Committee, I would like to use the knowledge I have gained within the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy and to represent the values of this programme, but also, to be an advocate of university athletes. We have challenging work ahead of us, especially in terms of making university sports more attractive for students, but the goal in general is also to make their voices visible in FISU.”
Leonz Eder, FISU President, highlighted the importance of team spirit among the Student Committee members. So concluded the Chair, Agnes Ancic-Valkai:
“We will need all of you, because you are all different people with different background, coming from different culture and with diverse skills and talents. Together we can do exceptional things, we have the means, the authority, and FISU and all the student society all around the World count on our work.”
Stay tuned for more updates on their exciting journey ahead!