FISU to boost university sports as platform for cultural exchange, says CEO

FISU CEO Matthias Remund emphasized the organization's commitment to enhance university sports as a bridge between cultures in an exclusive interview with Xinhua and highlighted Chengdu Universiade as role model.

TURIN, Italy, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- FISU is dedicated to enhancing the recognition of university sports to promote cultural understanding among young people, said Matthias Remund, Secretary General and CEO of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in an interview with Xinhua in Turin, Italy.

The 32nd World Winter University Games are underway in Turin, Italy. Throughout the tournament, which runs from January 13 to 23, 1,655 athletes from 54 countries and regions will compete in 11 sports, namely Alpine skiing, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski orienteering, ice hockey, ski mountaineering, figure skating, short-track speed skating and curling.

"The students and university sports movements began here in Turin. So it's a little bit like coming home," said Remund on Sunday, adding that along with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics just around the corner, northern Italy has demonstrated not only its technical expertise but also its cultural capacity to host winter sports events.

According to Remund, university sports are not only about competition, but also about building a platform for dialogues between different cultures.

"Most athletes meet together, have fun together and there is also a culture exchange," he said. "The cultural understanding is really important for today's worldwide society."

University sports highlight the significance of young people meeting together, sharing ideas and competing for goals, said Remund, "so that they can develop, and understand cultures not only within the sports but also in daily life."

China established a model with its Chengdu Universiade, showcasing student athletes' exchanges in sports and cultures, said Remund.

"The [Chengdu] Games are really a role model for future games. I have to say that Chengdu did really set a very high level," he said. ■