2010 FISU Forum Update: Vigo Forum Opens

VIGO – Today, June 21st, the 10th edition of the FISU Forum was opened with splendor. After a welcome word from the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Salustiano Mato de la Iglesia, the Rector of the University of Vigo, the Spanish flag was marched in while the Spanish national anthem was played. At the presentation of all participating countries, the volunteers marched in the flags of the different nations, 74 in total.

Mrs. Odell, CESU Vice-ChairWelcome speeches were delivered by Santiago Domingo, Deputy-Mayor of Vigo and Honorary Chair of the OC; José Ramon Lete, Secretary-General for Sport of Galicia; Abel Caballero, Mayor of Vigo; Alberto Soler, -Director of the National Sports Council of Spain (CSD) and FISU President George Killian. ‘I’m very moved when I see al these countries’ flags on the podium’, Mr. Killian said. ‘When we started out with the Forum, there weren’t that many. I thank the OC for their hard work in preparing this 10th edition.’ At the end of his welcome speech, when the FISU President officially pronounced the Forum open, the FISU flag entered the venue while the FISU anthem ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ was played. Then the floor was given to 1st FISU Vice-President and CESU Chair Claude-Louis Gallien who gave an overview of the 6-day academic event with as main theme: ‘University Sport: A Platform for Change’. The ceremonial part ended with the presentation of the CESU members to the Forum participants. The opening was celebrated with a cultural performance by a local music group with traditional instruments.

Alberto SolerAfter the coffee break the first plenary session took place: ‘Development of Strategic Plans in University Sports at National Level’. The session was introduced by CESU Vice-Chair Alison Odell. Mrs Odell then gave the floor to Mr. Albert Soller, General-Director of the National Sports Council of Spain (CSD) who presented his keynote speech.

The keynote address was followed by two presentations: Ms. Emmanouella Skoula Emmanouella Skoula (GRE) a Master Student who made a research study on Strategic Planning in University Sports Organizations.

Mr. Erby Beralte Erby Beralte (HAI), Secretary-General of FEHSU, the NUSF member of Haïti gave insight in the organization of a NUSF member, more specifically how his federation coped with the earthquake that hit his country. The presentation can be downloaded here.

In the afternoon the workshop sessions and group discussions took place.

The day-to-day program of the Forum can be downloaded here. More info on the Forum can also be found on the OC website at www.universiadavigo.com.

Mr. Gallien, CESU ChairFISU Media talked with an excited CESU Chair after the Opening Ceremony of the Forum. Claude-Louis Gallien, FISU 1st Vice-President and Head Honcho of the Committee for the University Sports Study (CESU), the FISU Committee in charge of the Forum, is already a happy man. ‘With 74 countries represented at the 10th edition of FISU’s academic event, we break an absolute record. I’m very satisfied already, but I will be even happier if all awaited results are obtained’, Mr. Gallien said. And with those results he refers to the demands of ‘The Belgrade Declaration’ which was issued at the end of the FISU Conference held in Belgrade during the 2009 Summer Universiade. The ‘Declaration’ strongly advocates an increasing role for University Sport as a key driver, both in offering the student a comprehensive educational experience and in delivering well founded, young citizens for the future. ‘Sport has to be a part of higher education. Ethics are important, whereas the future leaders of tomorrow – who are here present at the Forum – will take better decisions than the current leaders’, the CESU Chair explained. With six days ahead of interesting debates and renowned keynote speakers, the 10th edition of the Forum will be an interesting experience for all participants – NUSF officials and students.