Tradition and modernity blended into a perfect union during the 3rd FISU Gala at the Taipei City Hall on 18 August. The welcome reception, which preceded the awards ceremony, set the tone for the evening in the musical accompaniment of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra Academy.

A scintillating drumming routine by U-Theatre subsequently encapsulated the indomitable spirit of young athletes and marked the beginning of the Gala. A highlight was the last performance of the night by Miling'an, who presented Golden Miracle, an insight into local aboriginal myths and legends.



Along with acknowledging past and present accomplishments, presentations for three upcoming Universiades in Krasnoyarsk (2019 WU), Napoli (2019 SU) and Lucerne (2021 WU) looked towards the future.

Eleven individuals and organisations were honoured with the Awards of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for their remarkable contribution to the development of university sport.

The FISU Award for Best National University Sport Federation was won by University Sports Association of Poland (AZS). The International Orienteering Federation received (IOF) the Best International Sport Federation Award. The FISU Award for Best FISU Promotion Project went to the FISU World University League 3x3 in Xiamen, China.

The FISU Award for Best 2016 World University Championship was received by the Hungarian University Sports Federation (HUSF) for the organisation of the 20th World University Orientation Championship in Miskolc. The FISU Special Award for an individual was bestowed upon Mr Valentyn Gavrylko, former Secretary General of the Sports Students' Union of Ukraine (SSUU).

The Korean National Sport University earned the Best University Award. FISU Special Award for the Organisation went to the Italian University Sport Centre (CUSI). The Award for Best Commercial Partner went to Qiaodan. The Award for Best Media Partner went to the Asian-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).

Brazilian Valeria Schmidt, five times Futsal World University Champion, received the Best Female Athlete Award. Best Male Athlete Award was won by the Belgian decathlete Thomas Van der Plaetsen, a double Universiade and European Champion.

For more information, please see www.fisu.net.