Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade will require vaccination for delegations

With just under 100 days until the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade, FISU and the Lucerne 2021 Organising Committee (OC) announce their joint decision to maintain the major international multi-sport event for student-athletes, despite the difficult sanitary measures surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. In the event of this decision, FISU and the Organising Committee have come to an agreement that the members of each delegation must be vaccinated and undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Switzerland to be able to participate to the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade on 11-21 December.

The Organising Committee is working closely with the health authorities of Central Switzerland and the leadership of the Health Department of the Canton of Zug in assessing the epidemiological situation and developing corresponding hygiene and safety measures.

“It is unfortunate that we have had to come down to this, but I do believe that it was the only way that we could create an environment suitable to protect the participants, the spectators and the population of the areas where the competitions are taking place,” says FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond. “On a more positive note, we are really excited by the 58 National University Sports Federations who have already announced their participation in this 30^th edition of the FISU Winter Universiade, despite the difficult conditions. Seeing such a strong participation is proof that together we will be able to make this event – as well as the dreams and aspirations of many – come true.”

The joint decision to request a full vaccination of the delegation members came after discussions with local authorities and was the best compromise found to be able to maintain the major international multi-sport event for student-athletes, while protecting the local population and the participants in the most effective way possible.

“We are delighted that we didn’t have to cancel the event, originally scheduled to take place in January 2021, but were able to postpone it,” says Guido Graf, OC President and Lucerne’s Director of Health and Social Affairs. “The number of registrations, with 58 countries announcing their participation in the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade, shows the great desire of the students for an international competition. The health of all participants and the local population is a top priority. We will ensure this by implementing appropriate hygiene and safety measures.”