2011 SU Update: Athletes’ Village Officially Opened

FISU President Killian receives a gift from Village Mayor Wang Suiming 

SHENZHEN – Today, August 6^th, the Athletes’ Village for the Shenzhen Universiade was officially opened with the FISU President George E. Killian and members of the FISU Executive Committee present. From the OC side, the highest Shenzhen authorities attended as well as governmental dignitaries such as the Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qin and Vice-Mayor Zhang Weng and the Vice Minister for Education of China Hao Ping.

At his arrival Mr. Killian was invited to paint the dragon’s eyes, a Chinese tradition for good luck and the beginning of something important.

A big press crowd had gathered at the ceremony grounds to witness the official opening which started with a choir of High School children singing the theme song of the Universiade.

Wang Rong declares the Village openA number of dignitaries addressed the crowd with welcome speeches, i.e. Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qin; Zhang Xinsheng, FUSC President, FISU Vice-President and Vice-President of the Shenzhen Organizing Committee; Lin Musheng, Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province and FISU President George E. Killian.

After the speeches Mr. Killian and the Village Mayor, Mrs. Wang Suiming exchanged gifts.

After Wang Rong, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, declared the Village open, canon shots of dry fireworks boomed while Chinese drummers fiercely beat their drums.

The Chinese delegation Following the opening of the Village, the welcome ceremony for the Chinese delegation was held. A local band sang a Universiade themed song after which Village Mayor Wang Suiming gave a welcome speech and exchanged gifts with Mr. Hao Ping, Head of the Chinese delegation.

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer

Painting the dragon’s eyes for good luck

(Photos: C. Pierre) 

Mr. Killian’s Speech

‘Mr. Mayor,

Mr. Vice-Mayor,

Dear Friends,

Dear Colleagues,

The opening of the Universiade Village is a very special moment which opens the doors of the Games to the participants and the numerous volunteers. The Athletes’ Village will become the home of the participants coming from the five continents where they will live together during two weeks or more. It is a special and unique experience for them as it is one of the main challenges of the Universiade for you as organizers.  

The Universiade Village will be the place where the participants from different cultures and languages will have a unique opportunity to make new friends and share new experiences.

The Athletes’ Village gives the first impression on the Games but is also very important as the members of the delegations will be officially welcomed here with their flags.  Moreover, the conditions of stay of the participants have always a direct impact on the results and atmosphere created during the Games as they spend more time in the Village than any other place.

The manner that the Village is set up and managed will also demonstrate the abilities of the Organizing Committee to coordinate the very different services needed and show to the world the level of organization not only of Shenzhen leaders but also of Chinese leaders.

Dear friends, thank you very much for having built such a wonderful Village in which I am sure the athletes today and the students tomorrow will enjoy to live in.’