Chengdu knowledge transfer meetings pass information to future organisers

Bochum, Germany has been the site over the last four days of a transfer of knowledge from the Chengdu FISU World University Games to future organising committees of Rhine-Ruhr and Chungcheong.

“The transfer of knowledge is extremely important,” said Jing Zhao, FISU Games Director Summer. “Three different organising committees do not often come together in one place – so the visit should be used to make friends and exchange knowledge.”

This debriefing complements the visits that both organising committees from Rhine-Ruhr and Chungcheong had to Chengdu to experience FISU Games operations first hand.

Chengdu organisers outlined their successes and challenges in hosting the FISU Games this past July and August. Discussions included sport specific topics, transportation, delegation services, food and beverage, technical officials’ services, and technology. They also shared specific case studies and data to provide additional details future organisers can incorporate into their planning. In addition to the debriefing, FISU organised a sport seminar and hosted working meetings on technology and education for Rhine-Ruhr 2025.

Bochum’s Jahrhunderthalle, an industrial landmark long used for events, trade fairs, and concerts, was the site of day one of the meetings. It will also host the 2025 FISU World Conference, 17-20 of July, focused on how university sport contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In her welcome speech, Bochum‘s Mayor Gabriela Schäfer spoke about the importance of the World University Games for the Rhine-Ruhr region and for Bochum in particular. “Bochum is a city of sport. We are currently renovating our beautiful stadium [site of athletics competition] so that we can welcome the athletes there,” explained the mayor. Bochum is one of five German cities that will play host to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games joining Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr.

FISU Education & Culture Director Lilia Barieva added, “Debriefings are an important part of the knowledge management programme FISU offers to organising committees. The knowledge, know-how, and learnings of Chengdu are passed to organisers of the 2025 and 2027 FISU Summer Games and will help them best plan and deliver unique participant experience.”

Written by Doug McLean
(With files from Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games Organising Committee)