“Be the best version of yourself and you can change the world”

As the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games near their conclusion, the figure skating portion ended on a glamorous note with the traditional gala on Sunday, 19 January, at the Palavela Ice Rink.

Featuring performances by Torino medallists and the team from host Italy, the event was highlighted by a special appearance from Italian skating legend Carolina Kostner, the 2012 world champion and a 2014 Olympic medallist.

The gala not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also offered a chance to hear from key figures behind the Games. The Young Reporters Programme took the opportunity to speak with FISU President Leonz Eder and other members of the Executive Committee. Their reflections provided unique insights into the biennial multisports event’s spirit and significance.

Reflections on the Games

President Eder expressed his satisfaction with the atmosphere in Torino. “The ambiance is very nice, the competitors, they love it. It’s high level and it’s fantastic to be here and to have fun, to play sports and to meet each other on the field but also off the field,” he said.

Daichi Suzuki, Executive Committee member and former Olympic swimmer from Japan, reflected on the changes since his time as an athlete at the 1987 Summer Games in Zagreb. “I competed in the 1987 Summer Universiade [as the Games were called back then] and this is my first World University Games as a member of the Executive Committee and I have enjoyed the Games so far,” he said. “Actually, between like 40 years ago and now, it surprises me that the people don’t change, people still love sports, and that’s what I find the most inspiring and what I like about these Games.”

When asked about the importance of the FISU Games, Suzuki emphasized the dual purpose of competition and education. “I think that the World University Games is not just a competition, but also a great foundation for their education and an excellent place to mingle. So, I want them [the athletes] to do both of these things at the same time; compete and also give yourselves a chance to socialise and have fun,” he noted.

His EC colleague Marko Zunic from Croatia shared his appreciation for the cultural aspect of the Games. “In terms of sports and the athletes, what I always liked about student sports is the way they change our lives. They come here to compete but also to make friends, enjoy and promote their cultures. And I truly believe this is the essence of sports.”

A beautiful sold-out figure-skating gala

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FISU Vice-President Peninnah Kabenge, from Uganda, highlighted the opening ceremony as one of the standout moments. “It was epic,” she said, while President Leonz Eder mentioned the inspiring performances of para-athletes, specifically in alpine skiing. “This is difficult to say because I love all the sports, but when I saw the para-athletes in alpine skiing I was deeply impressed. These para-athletes, how they compete together with other athletes, it was a very emotional moment which I liked so much, and we will improve in the future to include even more para-athletes in our competitions” he stated.

Torino 2025 marked the debut of para-sports at the FISU Games, in alpine and cross-country skiing. Vice-President Kabenge also had the honour of presenting medals and mascots to podium finishers. “I had the opportunity to give the mascot to the winners, and the medals twice, and it was nice to give these young people the medals they deserve,” she said.

First Vice-President Luciano Cabral spoke about his love for sports when asked about his favourite discipline at these Games. “There wasn’t only one sport, I’m a sports man so I love all the sports. I mean judo is my favourite sport because I was a former judo athlete, but for example, I love to watch figure skating, especially at the gala,” he said, reflecting on the thrilling performances from Sunday’s gala.

Zunic expressed his appreciation for the Games return to Italy. “I’m glad that we’re back again in Italy. I think that Italy is doing a wonderful job. The experience is great, the venues are great, the city is wonderful and it’s a true promotion of both, Torino and sports and [of course] Italy,”

As the event drew to a close, FISU leaders shared messages for the athletes. Kabenge encouraged them to enjoy their time and look forward to future competitions. “Have fun and enjoy this moment. For those who didn’t make it here yet, I can’t wait to see you at the next FISU Games.”

The Italian experience and messages for future athletes

Zunic’s message was a call to young people to strive for greatness. “My message not only to the athletes but to the young people, it would be to be the best version of yourself and you can change the world,” he said. Cabral added, “Enjoy this time because time goes by fast, so enjoy this moment, be better, be professional and you’ll have a bright future ahead of you.”

With these words of encouragement, the FISU family exited the figure skating gala, eager to see what the final days of the Torino 2025 Games will bring.

The  take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Veronica Andrea Garcia Sanchez, FISU Young Reporter, Mexico

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.