Mahmut Özdemir, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, warmly welcomed the successful members of the national student team and the officials who had supported them throughout the FISU World University Games.
Özdemir, who had personally visited the German delegation in Chengdu, commended the concept of the Games and the remarkable sporting accomplishments of the top student-athletes.
By facilitating an intercultural sporting exchange among students from diverse countries and backgrounds, the FISU World University Games made a significant contribution to fostering unity and international understanding.
Mahmut Özdemir ©Jean-Marc Wiesner
Germany shines as a sporting nation
Addressing the athletes, Özdemir stated: “As the largest multi-sport event after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the FISU World University Games provided a unique opportunity for you to showcase your top sporting performances alongside international athletes. By achieving top national rankings and making your mark on the global stage, you have brought attention to the upcoming FISU World University Games Summer 2025 in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany. Congratulations to all the athletes of the 2023 FISU World University Games, both Winter and Summer, and to the entire team that supported you during the competitions. Thank you for your dedication. You can be proud of yourselves, just as the citizens of Germany can be proud of you, for representing our country as a shining sporting nation.”
Svea Thamsen © Jean-Marc Wiesner
Unleashing the potential of German university sport
In response to the Parliamentary State Secretary, Svea Thamsen, student board member of the German University Sports Federation (adh), said: “We want to express gratitude for the continuous support of our work by BMI and the parliamentary committees. This support forms the foundation for the outstanding performance of the German teams and the immense dedication of the officials. We would like to build on these sporting achievements at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games."
She also previewed the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games alongside Rebecca Heims, Senior Manager for Stakeholder Management at the organising committee.
“In 2025, we will be hosting the largest multi-sport event in the world. Together, we will ensure the success of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games and set new standards for sustainable, inclusive, and engaging major sporting events. We are excited to bring the diversity and potential of German university sport to life for guests from over 170 nations and numerous German fans in the summer of 2025,” Thamsen said.
© Jean-Marc Wiesner
Anticipation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games
Among the guests at the reception was David Keefer from the Technical University of Dortmund, who won silver in the rowing eight. Reflecting on his experience at the Games in Chengdu, Keefer expressed his excitement for the upcoming Games in the Rhine-Ruhr region. He shared his sporting goal for 2025, saying, “The FISU Games in Chengdu were a top-class sporting event at a very high level. I was impressed not only by the professional setup and the caliber of competitors but also by the numerous opportunities for intercultural exchange. I am already looking forward to the Games in our home, in the Rhine-Ruhr region. I definitely want to be on the starting line in 2025 because competing as a host and in front of a home crowd is always something very special. With my teammates, I aim to at least replicate our success from Chengdu or even surpass it!”