The Chinese delegation reported on their experiences and the operations of the Games so that the German organising committee can prepare itself as effectively as possible for its own hosting of the FISU Games in July 2025 in Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr.
A delegation from South Korea was also onsite, as the multi-sport event will take place in Chungcheong in 2027. Niklas Börger, CEO of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games gGmbH, was delighted with this opportunity to have a face-to-face exchange: "The meetings will enable our team to learn from the previous hosts from Chengdu."
Mayor Gabriela Schäfer is looking forward to the Games
Bochum's Mayor Gabriela Schäfer welcomed the guests to the Jahrhunderthalle on Saturday. In her speech, Schäfer spoke about the importance of the World University Games for the Rhine-Ruhr region and for Bochum in particular. "Bochum is a city of sport," said Schäfer. In 2025, the athletics competitions will take place in the renovated Lohrheidestadion. "We are currently renovating our beautiful stadium so that we can welcome the athletes there," explained the mayor, who also emphasised Bochum's status as one of the largest university cities in Germany. "I wish us all very successful Games," Schäfer concluded.
Andreas Kuchajda, Managing Director of Bochumer Veranstaltungs-GmbH, introduced the guests to the history and significance of the Jahrhunderthalle, an industrial landmark that has been used for events, trade fairs and concerts for many years. It was no coincidence that the Jahrhunderthalle was chosen as the venue for the delegations, as a scientific congress – FISU World Conference – with more than 1,000 guests will be held during the FISU World University Games in 2025.
Jing Zhao, FISU Games Director Summer, emphasised this special occasion in her welcoming speech. Three different organising committees do not often come together in one place - so the visit should be used to make friends and exchange knowledge. "The transfer of knowledge is extremely important," underlined Zhao.
Sharing experiences of sports officials
After a joint lunch, the discussion continued. Fei Yang, Training Services Division Vice Chief, gave the attendees an insight into the planning and cooperation with the ITOs, the International Technical Officials, who were responsible for the regular supervision of the respective sports in Chengdu.
In total, the exchange will last four days. Discussions on topics such as transport, technology and sports management are still to come. The first day on Saturday was rounded off with a joint visit to the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum and 1. FC Köln.
