FISU/Harbin OC Joint Pre-Universiade Press Conference

Today, February 17th, the domestic and international press was invited to the traditional joint pre-Universiade press conference of FISU and the Universiade Organizing Committee. Representing FISU at the press conference were FISU President George Killian, FISU Secretary-General Eric Saintrond, Chair of the WU Supervision Committee Kairis Ulp and Leonz Eder, Chair of the FISU Press Committee. The Harbin OC was represented by Mr. Du Jiahao, Deputy Governor of Heilongjiang Provincial Government, Han Guangru, Vice Secretary General of Heilongjiang Provincial Government, Yang Liguo, FUSC Secretary-General and Liu Baichang, Director General, Market Development Department.

‘On the eve of the 24th Winter Universiade all preparatory work has been completed’, Deputy Governor Du Jiahao stated. ‘51 infrastructure projects have successfully been concluded in the three areas of competition – Harbin (ice sports), Yabuli and Maoershan (snow sports) and test events were held. Existing venues were extensively renovated and the three Athletes’ Villages are ready to welcome the athletes.’

‘Thank you for coming to this joint press conference’, President Killian said. This is the 3rd time the Winter Universiade travels to Asia, but the 1st time to China. The last time we were in China was in 2001 when Beijing hosted a very successful Summer Universiade. FISU is very confident Harbin will deliver some fantastic Games.’

‘We are very happy that with the Winter Universiade, especially with the newly built sports infrastructure and know-how in sports and event management, FISU will leave a remarkable legacy not only for the city of Harbin but also for the winter sports of China’, Kairis Ulp, Chair of the WU Supervision Committee said.

Adding the numbers, so far: 2,537 participants of which 1,636 athletes from 44 countries, 1,148 domestic and 64 international journalists and 340 hours of TV live coverage.

Tomorrow, February 18th, at 20h00 local time, the 24th Winter Universiade will start with the Opening Ceremony.