The 3rd edition of the annual FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy was held in Kazan, Russia between September 5 and 11, 2019. The event brought together young leaders and activists representing 80 university sports bodies on national and continental level.

At the event's opening ceremony, among the honourable guests were FISU President Mr Oleg Matytsin, Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Mr Farid Mukhametshin, Deputy of the Russian Federation State Duma Mr Marat Bariev, Sports Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Mr Vladimir Leonov, and Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan Mr Timur Suleymanov.



FISU and Tatarstan leaders welcomed 130 participants, stressing the importance of the programme and the key role the young leaders play in today's world. This year’s programme focused on preparations for the World University Championships and celebrations of the International Day of University Sport.



During the seven days of the Academy, the attendees were able to experience a versatile programme that included workshops, round-table discussions, contests, group projects, as well as sports and social activities.



FISU’s international experts as well as representatives of some organising committees like Ekaterinburg 2023 Summer Universiade and World University Championships 2020 delivered speeches at the forum.



Particular attention was paid to the results of the FISU Student Ambassadors’ efforts during the last year. Twenty attendees of the 2018 Academy took the opportunity to return to Kazan and share best practices with their future colleagues. “I did not expect so many people from different countries. I know FVLA is really big event but this opportunity to meet so many cultures was great!” said a delighted Tobiasz Nowacki, participant from Poland and member of the EUSA Student Commission.



The FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA) is a project initiated by the volunteer community during the 13th FISU Forum in Montpellier and implemented with the support of the International University Sports Federation and also as a legacy of the 2013 Kazan Summer Universiade. The Academy aims to build a permanent international platform for volunteers and members of national university sports federations to share opinions and best practices in the delivery of volunteer programmes and major sporting events.



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