With a very impressive Opening Ceremony, held at the Taipei Stadium in Taipei City, the 29th edition of the FISU Summer Universiade was officially kicked off on August 19, 2017.

Although the march pass of the athletes was delayed due to peaceful protests outside the stadium, the packed stadium, seating over 22.000 people, welcomed all participating teams with standing ovations, cheering each of the teams in the parade of nations. Not surprisingly, the Chinese Taipei delegation got the loudest ovations as the Taiwanese team entered.



“Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for,” the President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Mr Oleg Matytsin said in his speech. “No one can stop our students!”



After FISU President and Taipei City Mayor & Organising Committee's President Mr Wen-Je Ko made their remarks, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mr Thomas Bach greeted the participants through a video message, recalling on his own experiences as a universiade athlete, wishing them to enjoy the sports they love.



The President, Mrs Tsai Ing-Wen officially declared the Summer Universiade Taipei 2017 open.



The night was full of traditionalism and innovation working together, also in the protocol parts, like lighting of the Universiade cauldron. After three torch carriers completed the journey of the flame into the stadium, Chen Chin-Feng, Chinese Taipei’s first Major League Baseball player, light up the cauldron with a fireball.



A number of cultural dances highlighted the evening, which started with the raising of the host country’s flag, followed later also by hoisting of the FISU flag and live performance of Gaudeamus Igitur.



The themes of the dances ranged from traditional to creative, showing that the island is rich in diversity and life, honouring its past and embracing its future. The acts were accompanied by awe-inspiring led projections and fireworks displays that lit up the city skyline.



A day prior of the opening ceremony, Bravo - the mascot of the event, celebrated its 1st birthday at the official FISU press conference, celebrating it with FISU, organising committee, volunteers and members of the media.



Over 7,500 athletes from over 140 countries are expected to take part in the next 12 days, competing in 22 sports, attending as well educational and cultural events and be the messengers and promoters of university sport and its values around the world. The European University Sports Association (EUSA) is happy and proud to see most of its members also participating in the Universiade, and wishes them best of luck in the competitions.



For more information, please see www.2017.taipei and www.fisu.net.