Yesterday, on July 3, 2015, the 28th Summer Universiade officially kicked-off with a grand opening ceremony at the World Cup Stadium in Gwangju, Korea, for a 12-day international university event combining sport, culture and education.

A mixture of traditional Korean cultural programme, mixed with modern music and dances entertained over 40.000 people attending the Opening. In addition, over 70 countries broadcast the Opening, which was also streamed live on the FISU TV platform. Themes like ‘Light, The Birth of Youth’, ‘The Fetal Movement’ and ‘Encounter & Harmony’ brought colourful performances to the stage. Universiade’s themes ‘U are Shining’ and ‘Light Up Tomorrow’ were present throughout the event.



The Opening was EPIC – this is also the motto of the Gwangju Universiade; promoting the Eco, Peace, IT and Culture aspects of the event, advocated also by Nuribi, mascot – present also at the Opening ceremony. Gwangju, known as ‘The City of Light’ proudly justified its nickname. The ceremony was a colourful display of sound and light.



The march-pass of the athletes was one of the most anticipated parts. Russian delegation was the largest one, followed by the USA team, with participation of over 140 other national teams. The biggest cheer was received by the representatives of the host country; the Korean delegation being cheered by the entire stadium.



The programme culminated in the opening speeches of the Mayor of Gwangju Mr Yoon Janghyun, Chair of the Organising Committee Mr Kim Hwangsik and the FISU President Mr Claude-Louis Gallien. FISU President then invited the President of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Madam Park Geun-hye, to open the Games. FISU Flag entered the stadium and was raised while FISU’s Anthem ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ was performed.



The arrival of the Universiade Torch Relay signalled the conclusion of the opening ceremony, and got the participants very excited. Baseball icon Park Chan-ho, the first Korean to play in the Major League Baseball and a medallist of the 1993 Summer Universiade in Buffalo, together with the Olympic Gymnastics champion Yang Hak-seon lit the Universiade cauldron.



Over 12.000 participants from 143 countries are expected to take part, compete over the 12 days in 21 sports. European countries are well-represented at the Universiade, and the European University Sports Association (EUSA) - whose representatives are also attending the event - wishes all of them lots of success and positive experiences!



For more information about the Universiade in Gwangju, please see www.gwangju2015.com and www.fisu.net.