On 1 June 1949, FISU – the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire, held its founding General Assembly in Zurich, Switzerland.
On this day 75 years ago, student sport leaders from several European countries gathered under the presidency of Luxembourg teacher and sports leader Paul Schleimer to create the first-ever international federation in charge of university sport. The federation’s aim, as stated in the constitution, reflected a philosophy that FISU continues to follow today:
“To promote the cultural aspect of the student body from all countries, to exchange the experiences of university sport, to organise international university meetings, and to spread the moral values of sport.”
It took almost two years to create FISU in the context of growing Cold War political tensions. With the revival of the prewar tradition of the World University Games in 1947, the International Union of Students, which had taken lead of the university sports movement, used cultural and sports activities to spread communism.The will to protect university sport from political influence was therefore core to the origin of FISU.
Carl Schneiter first Secretary General
National university sports associations of Italy, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Netherlands became founding members; Spain and Lebanon joined later the same year. Swiss Carl Schneiter, elected as the first Secretary General, was at that time the person largely responsible for the coordination of FISU international events.
On 28 August 1949, FISU saw its first event open in the Italian town of Merano. This inaugural edition of the International University Sports Week was the fruit of the efforts of the Centro Universitario Sportivo Italiano (CUSI), which had many challenges preparing the event only in three months, during examinations and holidays at the universities. The spirit of the event highlighted the common purpose of tightening the solidarity between young people and promoting peace through sports. Nine delegations marched at the opening ceremony.
FISU’s leaders were convinced that small-scale events were better adapted for creating strong links between students, and particularly emphasised the importance of sport for the education of young people. In 1953, the FISU launched its first educational project. The federation’s willingness to support the harmonious development of intellectual and physical capacity of university students later formed the basis of FISU’s motto of “excellence in mind and body”.
“University sport is more than just recreation or compensation for intellectual effort. It is a genuine tool for training and education. Sport becomes the ally of studies in the educational mission assumed by the university. It would be unforgivable if such a convenient, enjoyable, and useful, but above all versatile, means of education were not used fully. Developing and encouraging sporting activities is tantamount to contributing to the training of young students.” (Paul Schleimer, 1953)
From eight affiliated national student sport associations in 1949, FISU’s membership more than doubled by 1957. Despite its growing credibility and recognition, FISU did not hold the monopoly on university sport between 1949 and 1957. However, the improvement in the political climate during the mid-1950s, as well as the willingness for peace and cooperation, aided the reunification of the student sports movement, with the Turin 1959 Summer Universiade confirming the success of FISU as a truly international sports federation.