2023 - a year full of highlights

Observer Program at the Lake Placid FISU Games

One of the most significant events of the year took place in January. The FISU World University Games Winter were held from 12-22 January in Lake Placid, USA. A seven-member delegation from Rhine-Ruhr 2025 was present to gain experience and insights into the organization. These were unforgettable days, with a special highlight right at the beginning: the delegation marched into the stadium with the German team as part of the Opening Ceremony.

Launch of the official logo

In the spring, the logo for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games was revealed. The logo symbolizes the combination of fire and water and represents the passion of the region. The different colors illustrate the host cities Düsseldorf (red), Mülheim an der Ruhr (purple), Essen (yellow), Bochum (green), and Duisburg (blue). Since its unveiling, the logo has become the most important brand mark of the world’s largest multi-sport event in 2025.

Search for enthusiastic Volunteers

In early June, representatives of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 attended the Volunteer Fair at Corneliusplatz in Düsseldorf. The aim was to raise awareness of the planned volunteer program, which will gain momentum next year. 12,000 volunteers will be needed for the FISU World University Games 2025, and the registration phase will begin on 29 February 2024. Pre-registration is already possible here.

Observer Program at the Chengdu FISU Games

Six months after the FISU Games Winter in Lake Placid, the FISU World University Games Summer took place in Chengdu, China. Once again, a delegation from Rhine-Ruhr 2025 was onsite to participate in the FISU Observer Program, gain insights into the event, and gather valuable knowledge. The German team had a fascinating and educational experience. In addition to the official part, the program included a variety of cultural activities and special events such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

FISU Flag Handover

During the Closing Ceremony of the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, the flag of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) was handed over to the organising committee of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games. Mahmut Özdemir (Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs) and Dr. Verena Burk (FISU Vice President) received the flag. A week later, the flag was finally handed over to the Sports Committee of North Rhine-Westphalia as a symbolic starting signal for the FISU Games 2025.

Visitors from abroad

In the second half of the year, several delegations from abroad were already present to get a first impression of the events in the Rhine-Ruhr region. Donna Spethman, Team Lead International Services, welcomed visitors from the USA and Malaysia. The foreign groups were impressed by the plans in Germany. In November, there was also a four-day visit by representatives from Chengdu and South Korea, where the FISU World University Games Summer 2027 will take place.

General Assemblies of governing institutions

At the end of November, Leonz Eder was elected President at the General Assembly of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in Geneva. A delegation from Rhine-Ruhr 2025 presented the plans for the FISU World University Games 2025 and received unanimously positive feedback. Similar feedback was received a few days later at the General Assembly of the German University Sports Federation (adh), where participants were informed about the new developments. “Let’s fill the Games with life together and create unforgettable moments for thousands of people, along with implementing sustainable initiatives for university sport,” said Niklas Börger, CEO of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games gGmbH.

Anniversary year of German university sports

The German University Sports Federation (adh) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year under the motto “Diversity moves” (in German - "Vielfalt bewegt"). On 2 April, a campaign was launched to showcase the achievements of the adh. The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are organized on the initiative and under the patronage of the adh.

UNI-WER-WAS??-Campaign

Under the slogan "UNI-WER-WAS?" (in English - "UNI-WHO-WHAT??") a campaign of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games served for an increased outreach in local communities. In the five host cities of Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr, digital advertisement on large screens raised awareness of the world's largest multi-sport event in 2025. "UNI-WER-WAS??" is only the beginning of further campaigns that will continue in 2024.

The year 2024 is going to be no less eventful. Whether it's the launch of the Volunteer Program, the planning of the Flame Relay or the presentation of the mascot, there are plenty of important milestones on the agenda for the coming year. Meanwhile, the eyes of the sporting world are already on North Rhine-Westphalia, which together with other regions in Germany will be hosting the European Football Championships. Numerous national and international competitions are also planned in the field of university sports. And then there are the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 team is looking forward to the next exciting milestones and new achievements and wishes you happy holidays and a good start to 2024.