LINK:https://opinion.huanqiu.com/article/4E2gXcXNUqT

MIRRIAM OGUNJA：THE 31st FISU SUMMER WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES CHENGDU 2021

Welcome to Chengdu

Chengdu  is  China's  cherished  home  of the  giant  pandas.  It is referred to as the "Land of Abundance" for millennia with a rich 4,500-year civilisation and 2,300-year city history. It is stands out as one of the first cities recognized for its treasured historical and cultural heritage blending tranquility with humanistic triumphs. The city has earned accolades as one of China's best tourist cities. Additionally, Chengdu, as the heart of Sichuan cuisine, offers a diverse range of snacks and its iconic spicy hotpot, leading to its recognition as a "UNESCO City of Gastronomy".

The much-anticipated event 31st FISU summer world university games chengdu 2021 is finally here and being held at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Stadium Center in Chengdu from July 28th to  August  8th, 2023.  During this period, a variety of  sporting, entertainment and cultural performances will be held every day, allowing athletes and tourists from around the world to immerse themselves in the youthful vitality of Chengdu.

Chengdu had originally been due to host the first summer edition of the FISU World University Games rebranded  from  the  former  name  of the  Universiade  in  2021,  but  tough  COVID- 19 restrictions in China led to the multi-sport event twice being postponed. It is the 3rd city to host the summer Universiade following Beijing in 2001 and Shenzhen in 2011. This kind of games are a great opportunity for young spirited Olympians to showcase their athletic prowess and potential to the world.

This year’s theme for the Games is 'Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True.' A reference to the motivational story of the figurative golden sunbird. Each athlete who makes it to the podium will be given a medal that features a golden sunbird on one side and a soaring view of Chengdu on the other.

Figure 1. Chengdu makes dreams come true (Source: FISU).

THE OPENING CEREMONY

The locals were looking forward to this day the 28th July, 2023. The weather was good, little to no carson the road, tree branches swaying by the roadsides and the birds chanting. The grand opening ceremony was full of fireworks, pomp and colour by his excellency Xi Jinping. Other dignitaries in attendance included President Joko Widodo of Indonesia and his wife, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani of Mauritania, President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili of Georgia. Indeed, the opening ceremony was a world class event that will forever remain in the hearts of many in the years to come. Over 10, 000 athletes from 170 countries all over the world will compete in all the sports.

In his speech, Huai Jinpeng, president of the organizing committee of the Chengdu Universiade, extended warm welcome to all the athletes, coaches, technical officials and guests from around the globe, saying that "the FISU World University Games is a global sporting event for youth and friendship.

Figure 2. Artists perform on stage (Source: Zhang Bowen).

Figure 3. Fireworks seen during the ceremony (Source: Wu Gang).

CHENGDU’S PREPARATION FOR THE GRAND EVENT

In the days leading to the event, Chengdu had to make some rigorous revamp and adjustments. The FISU World University Games Village is one of the areas that provide the longest hours of services and support. Covering about 800,000 square meters, the village consists of 10 apartments, two cafeterias, a delegation service center, a polyclinic, a fitness center, basketball courts, a swimming pool and other support facilities. It will accommodate 11,000 people, offer catering, fitness, commercial and cultural services for delegations. The construction of the Universiade village started in April 2019 and was officially inaugurated in Chengdu University, Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, on Dec. 8, 2021.

Apart from a sound living environment, the village also offers great catering services. It is reported that the main course menus in the cafeterias of the village are on weekly rotation, which will meet the  demand  of delegation members  from  different  countries  and  regions.  Besides,  there  are nutritional management, rehabilitation and sport psychology experts at the fitness center.  150 medical workers are also expected to be on duty at the polyclinic in the FISU World University Games Village, providing around-the-clock emergency and transferring services.

The FISU Summer World University Games is believed to be an opportunity to represent the culture of host cities. Themed galas, Chinese intangible cultural heritage experience activities and art exhibitions will beheld everyday in the village during the event, to showcase the unique charms of Sichuan province to athletes and other delegation members.

At the Chengdu FISU World University Games Village, green traveling and intelligent lifestyle technologies are widely applied. Apart from smart coffee machines that are seen everywhere in the village, there are nine other intelligent services and products provided, including intelligent snack machines, 3D scanners, and cooling vests.

Figure 4. Host country China check into the Games' Village (Source: FISU).

Not to forget the volunteers, from the airports to the hotel’s rooms all warm and friendly, the organization very efficient. As for the participants we've seen their persistence and dedication from obtaining the qualification, training for the competition, applying for visas, packing up, to moving into the FISU Games Village. It has not been an easy ride.

As it comes to a close on August 8th, 2023, the Chengdu Universiade will definitely showcase the brand-new image of university sports to the world. In addition, the FISU World University Games in Chengdu will rewrite a new chapter of the youth story. Germany is set to host the next Summer University Games in 2025.

Figure 5. Turkish Wushu athlete looks forward to returning to China (Source: FISU).

REFERENCE:

1. Chengdu 2021 FISU Games - Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games - The official website of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games - Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games

(2021chengdu.com)

2.  People daily, Beijing daily