2011 WU Update: Opening Ceremony Fever

 Volunteers eager to start the Opening Ceremony

ERZURUM – With three more days to go before the 25^th Winter Universiade in Erzurum kicks of with the Opening Ceremony, ‘OC-Fever’ rises as the volunteers are in full swing to do their ‘substantial’ part in the event.

Today, January 24^th, the volunteers carrying the country flags and name boards of the delegations were practicing their marching pass, as tomorrow the general rehearsal will take place.

Ayse Zengin carrying the name board of GermanyAyse Zengin will carry the name board of the German delegation and is therefore the first to enter the stadium followed by some 3,000 participants, as Germany in Turkish is ‘Almanya’ with an ‘A’, the first letter of the alphabet. ‘I’m very proud and it makes me a little nervous’ she said. ‘It’s kind of special to me as I study German at the University and I will travel to Germany in the future.’

Another person who is extremely proud is Öztürk Albayrak. He will be carrying the flag of the Turkish delegation and will enter the stadium as the last flag bearer. ‘When I heard I was chosen to carry the Turkish flag my heart almost broke out of my chest’, he proudly communicates through an interpreter. ‘What an honor for me, it well be an experience to cherish forever.’

With the efforts of these young volunteers, the Opening Ceremony promises to be a fantastic moment for all participants.

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer

 Öztürk Albayrak is proud to be selected as the Turkish flagbearer

 Last preparations for the Opening Ceremony