As one of the most important information and communication platforms for the participating countries of the second largest sport event world-wide, the Summer Universiade, the Universiade Heads of Delegation (HOD) Meeting was held in Gwangju, Republic of Korea between April 12 and 14, 2015, with participation of over 110 delegates from 51 countries.

The Gwangju 2015 Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) Secretary-General Mr Kim Yoon-Suk mentioned, “For the last five years, Gwangju and the Republic of Korea have worked hard to present the best Universiade so that all participants can demonstrate their fullest capacity in Gwangju.” He added, “Since this meeting is the first official interaction between the delegations and the Organising Committee, we focused on delivering the most comprehensive and most up-to-date information so that the delegations can perform to their fullest.”



Secretary General of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Mr Eric Saintrond confirmed the importance of the meeting “The HOD Meeting is an important step during the preparation phase of the Universiade. It will also allow the HODs to deliver relevant information to the athletes and officials as well as the National Sports Federations that are not always properly informed about the rules, standards, and specificities of our University Sports Events.”



Heads of Delegations were able to follow the general presentations and visit the accommodation facilities and sports venues. During the HOD meeting, the team draws for basketball, volleyball, water polo, football, and handball took place on April 13 the second day of the meeting. Former Korean sports stars also attended and assisted in the draw. The draw for team sports was followed by a press conference where FISU and the GUOC made a summary of the event and expressed support for the inter-Korean cooperation in terms of the torch relay and the two nations marching together at the Universiade Opening Ceremony.



For more information about the Summer Universiade 2015, please see www.gwangju2015.com or www.fisu.net.