The 25th Winter Universiade closed with an exciting closing ceremony on Sunday, February 6, 2011, at the Cemal Gürsel Stadium in Erzurum in front of 21,000 spectators. For the closing ceremony, the flags of all participating countries arrived in the stadium, followed by the participants walking in together, mixing up the countries and thus sending out the message of diversity and unity.

The Universiade noted a record participation – almost 2,500 participants from 52 countries were present at this 25th edition of the FISU Winter Games. “Overall this edition can be considered a big success and a country participation record”, FISU President George E. Killian told the press at the FISU Press Conference held just before the end of the Winter Universiade.

 

European delegations, EUSA member federations, were especially active in Erzurum. Out of 52 participating countries, 32 are EUSA members, who contributed over 1,600 participants. They were also very successful, winning 136 medals out of 189 medals awarded altogether. Out of the 10 most successful countries, 6 come from Europe, Russia being the favourite in both largest participation number, as well as the most successful delegation.

 

The organisers did an excellent job, especially regarding the accommodation, facilities and hospitality. Almost 300 members of press and media made sure that the news, images and video was of this largest winter university event was distributed throughout the world.

 

At the closing ceremony, the FISU flag was be handed over to the Organizing Committee of the next Winter Games - to Maribor, Slovenia for the 2013 Winter Universiade. The Slovenian delegation then gave a short performance inviting the participants to their country for the next games.

EUSA is happy to see its members active also in World University Sports Federation, both in terms of participation, as well as in terms of event organisation.

For more information, please see www.erzurum2011.gov.tr and www.fisu.net.