Daily Blog Day 1: All signs point to anticipation

On 15 July, an important milestone on the road to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games was marked in the Rhine-Ruhr region: with the opening of the Flag Plaza, a visible symbol of the international character of the upcoming FISU Games was unveiled. The flags of all participating delegations now line the path between the Grugahalle and the Congress Centre Messe Ost – a powerful statement of diversity, unity, and growing excitement ahead of the world’s largest multi-sport event for university students.

Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Leonz Eder (FISU President), Thomas Kufen (Mayor of Essen), Thomas Eiskirch (Mayor of Bochum), Marc Buchholz (Mayor of Mülheim an der Ruhr), Edeltraud Klabuhn (Deputy Mayor of Duisburg), Niklas Börger (CEO of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 gGmbH), Sina Diekmann (CSO of Rhine-Ruhr 2025), Jörg Förster (Chairman of adh and Chair of the Shareholders' Advisory Board of Rhine-Ruhr 2025), and Benjamin Schenk (Secretary General of adh), both the German national flag and the FISU flag were raised.

The German flag was raised by Jörg Förster and Sina Diekmann, while the honour of hoisting the FISU flag was shared by Leonz Eder and Jörg Förster.

The square, now known as the Flag Plaza, is more than just a space for flags – it stands as a powerful symbol of international friendship, inclusion, fairness, and peace.

Preparations for Rhine-Ruhr 2025 are in full swing. With the opening of the Flag Plaza, not only was a significant milestone celebrated, but it also became clear: We are all in! The six host cities are ready. Now begins the final stretch – with a clear goal: to stage an open, sustainable, and inspiring multi-sport event that sets new standards and gives student-athletes a global stage.

The author of today’s guest entry, Niklas Börger, is feeling the excitement too.

Just a few hours to go until the grand Opening Ceremony in Duisburg! The excitement is building, and you can feel the anticipation everywhere – not just among us in the organising team, but also among the delegations, the fans on-site, and everyone around the world watching the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. Behind us lie many months – even years – of intense work, planning, discussions, and creative thinking. And now, we are on the brink of 12 incredible days full of sport, culture, and science.

Our aim is to provide student-athletes with a space where they can not only perform at their best but also simply be themselves. That was the spirit we carried into the planning of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 – and I truly believe our team has captured that spirit. Of course, we hope that all athletes will find the conditions they need to achieve their personal bests. But even more, we wish for them to have an unforgettable time here in the Ruhr region and in Berlin – making new friendships, experiencing inspiring moments, and feeling a lasting sense of community.

So here we go: the stage is set – for sport, for people, for connection. I’m beyond excited. We’re ready!

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games will be officially opened on Wednesday evening with an emotional, high-energy, and musically spectacular ceremony at the sold-out Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg. Over 20,000 spectators will celebrate the start of the Games with goosebump moments, thunderous applause, and a true sense of togetherness throughout the stadium.

We can’t wait!