Time to Light Up the Court!

GWANGJU – The opening ceremony of the 12^th World University Badminton Championship (WUBC) kicked off at 2pm on November 6^th. The FISU Family and officials from Korea University Sports Board, Badminton Korea Association and WUBC Organizing Committee, Gwangju citizens and athletes from 19 countries gathered together and celebrated the beginning of the Championship.

The ceremony started with the national anthem of Korea, and the flag of the host country was raised at the same time. Following the national anthem, the participating national teams marched into the stadium and received resounding applause from the spectators.

Kang Un-tae, Mayor of Gwangju City and Chair of WUBC OC, introduced the VIP guests in his welcoming address. He also made a remark on Gwangju’s efforts on creating an event not of sports only, but of education, culture, harmony, and peace among world’s young people from all over the world. He wished all players to perform their best skills and have a great time of the championship and companionship.

Alison Odell

President Cho Ho-kwon of Gwangju Metropolitan Council and Assessor Kim Jong-ryang of FISU Executive Committee gave their heartfelt congratulatory speeches.

On behalf of the FISU representatives, 1^st Assessor Alison Odell congratulated the host city on holding the Championship, emphasizing on the significance it holds as Gwangju is the birthplace of the modern democratic movement in Korea.

Mayor Kang declared the opening of the championship amid a storm of applause. The Korean star player, Lee Yong-dae who was given hearty cheers from the spectators took the oath for all athletes as did the referee from Korea, Kim Myung-ja, for the umpires and referees.

After the ceremony, various performances such as Korean Fusion Classic and B-boy performance took the stage pleasing the eyes and ears of everyone present in the gymnasium.

(Source: WUBC OC)