Eder Strengthens FISU's Global Reach, Paves Way for Exciting University Sports Future

FISU President Leonz Eder's recent visit to Paris during the Olympic Games marked a significant milestone in shaping the future of international university sports. Through a series of high-level meetings with key sports leaders, Eder laid the groundwork for upcoming FISU World University Games and explored hosting opportunities that could elevate the profile of these prestigious events.

Unlocking the Potential of University Sports on the Global Stage

Discussions on Future FISU World University Games

President Eder's discussions with a diverse group of sports leaders, including IOC members, federation presidents, and government representatives, centered around the future editions of the FISU World University Games. These conversations aimed to ensure the continued growth and relevance of these events, which have proven to be a crucial stepping stone for aspiring Olympians.Preparations for the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games Winter were discussed with IOC Executive Board member Ivo Ferriani and Honorary IOC Member Manuela Di Centa. The FISU President also explored hosting opportunities for future editions of the FISU World University Games with government representatives from Slovakia, Japan, and Switzerland, showcasing the global appeal and potential of these events.

Strengthening Partnerships and Collaborations

Maintaining and strengthening partnerships with various sports organizations was a key focus of Eder's visit. He met with the Presidents and Secretary Generals of numerous sports federations to consolidate cooperation with FISU, initiate Memorandums of Understanding, and forge new agreements.One such collaboration was the agreement reached with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) President Arkady Dvorkovich to sign a collaboration convention during the IF Forum in Lausanne in October. This partnership highlights FISU's commitment to expanding its reach and integrating diverse sports disciplines into its portfolio.

Engaging with Host Countries and Local Stakeholders

Eder's visit also involved productive discussions with local stakeholders, including the President of the French University Sports Federation, Cédric Terret. These conversations focused on the organization of FISU events in France, the host country of the upcoming Summer Olympic Games.Furthermore, Eder met with the Slovakian President, Peter Pellegrini, and the Slovakian Minister of Tourism and Sport, Dušan Keketi, to explore the possibility of hosting ice sports events in Slovakia during future FISU World University Games. This collaboration could potentially boost tourism and sports development in the country.

Strengthening Ties with the Olympic Movement

Eder's visit to Paris coincided with the 142nd IOC Session, providing him with the opportunity to engage with high-level figures within the Olympic movement. In the presence of former UN Secretary-General and Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission, Ban Ki-moon, Eder discussed the preparations for the Chungcheong 2027 FISU World University Games Summer with IOC Member and President of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee, Lee Kee-heung.These discussions underscored the strong ties between FISU and the IOC, as well as the shared goal of nurturing the next generation of athletes and promoting the values of university sports on the global stage.

Shaping an Exciting Future for University Sports

Eder's action-packed visit to Paris has laid the groundwork for an exciting future for FISU and the World University Games. Through his strategic engagements with key sports leaders, government officials, and local stakeholders, he has positioned FISU as a vital player in the international sports landscape, poised to elevate the profile and impact of university sports worldwide.As the world eagerly anticipates the upcoming FISU events, Eder's leadership and vision have set the stage for a new era of growth and collaboration, where the transformative power of university sports can be fully realized on a global scale.