2011 WU Update: Athletes' Village Opens

The dignitaries cut the ribbon to officially open the Village

ERZURUM – Today, January 21st, the Athletes’ Village of the 25th Winter Universiade in Erzurum, Turkey, was officially opened.

The ribbon was clipped by the Governor of Erzurum Sebahattin Öztürk, the WU General Coordinator Bekir Korkmaz, the Mayor of the Village Yahya Pasinlioglu as well as other Erzurum dignitaries as the Mayor of Erzurum Ahmet Küçükler and the Rector of Atatürk University Hikmet Koçak. FISU Secretary-General/CEO Eric Saintrond represented FISU at this symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Village MayorOnce the ribbon cut, the dignitaries walked to the Universiade Flag Plaza where a crowd was awaiting them.

Yahya Pasinlioglu, the Village Mayor, welcomed the attendants and invited the Governor for his welcome speech.

‘We have taken justified pride in completing the Athletes’ Village, the heart of the Universiade’, the Governor proudly said. ‘Erzurum as a host city is one of the biggest and modern cities of Turkey. It is a central city within the scope of economics and politics throughout more than 5,000 years of history. Erzurum is a melting pot of civilizations and a symbol of both tolerance and amity.’The Governor of Erzurum

‘Today is the day the Winter Universiade “takes off”. The moment that we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. During more than 2 weeks, Erzurum will turn into the world capital of university youth’, FISU Secretary-General/CEO Eric Saintrond said in his speech. ‘The opening of the Universiade Village is a symbolical moment which announces the arrival of the first delegations. We are aware of the great efforts accomplished by the Organizing Committee, the Turkish authorities and the thousands of volunteers making this dream possible. The Universiade Village is the soul of the Games. During 2 weeks, the students from a record number of 58 countries will live together in harmony. Here, we will not speak about politics or religion but about the projects of the future of our planet.’

FISU SG/CEO SaintrondA city which had only alpine skiing facilities a couple of years ago has today become one of the most beautiful winter sports resorts in this region of the world. FISU trusted Erzurum and was right to do so.

There is no doubt that the 3,000 participants will demonstrate to be great ambassadors of Turkey and of Erzurum within their own country as they will appreciate the Turkish hospitality as well as the generosity and great cultural richness and diversity.

After the speeches there was a cultural performance of traditional dances.