On December 21, 2013 the Closing Ceremony concluded the 26th edition of the Winter Universiade, licensed by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The ceremony followed the men’s ice hockey final which was played in the Gianmarco Scola Ice Arena in Alba di Canazei, a picturesque mountain village in the Dolomites. It was the celebration of the conclusion of a successful event.

Trentino 2013 was the biggest Winter Universiade in history in terms of numbers of participants, having 2,667 members from 50 national member delegations. Eight Universiade Records were broken in short track, while no less than thirteen in speed skating. 54 athletes took more than one medal home to put on their mantelpiece. Russia took home most of the medals, leading the medal table followed by Poland and Korea in the top three positions. European member associations can be particularly happy with the outcome – out of 30 countries on the medal tally, 22 are members of the European University Sports Association (EUSA).

In the 11 days of the Universiade, 78 events were held 12 sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle, Ice Hockey, Nordic Combined, Short Track, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding and Speed Skating.

The Winter Universiade in Trentino was also a chance for EUSA to promote itself, its activities and events and at the same time present a glimpse of the new logo and visual identity to the members, partners, participants and volunteers. As it is the holiday season, Mr Leonz Eder, EUSA Vice President also assisted in distributing smbolic presents on behalf of EUSA.

As the request for high-quality TV coverage of FISU events from its worldwide media partners increases, FISU in cooperation with a local partner produced more than 200 hours from almost all Competitions of this event. In Italy, RaiSport covered 75 hours live and featured the event also in the different newscasts. Eurosport broadcasted more than 70 hours of this event’s live content on all available platforms. Russian channel RTR took 50 and Kazakhstan national TV station KAZsport Channel another 70 hours of this live coverage to present to their viewers. Other networks made sure the event is covered also overseas. On top of that the majority of the events were livestreamed as well.

Regarding the team sports, women’s ice hockey gold went to Canada, a three-peat, for the Canadian women, with silver and bronze going to Russia and USA respectively. The men’s hockey gold was also won by Canada after thriller of a game vs. Kazakhstan. Bronze went to Russia which beat USA. Men’s curling saw Sweden taking the gold leaving silver and bronze to Great Britain and Canada respectively. The women curlers from Russia took the gold while silver and bronze went to Korea and Switzerland.

In his closing speech, FISU President Gallien lauded the Organiser, volunteers and participant. “Dear friends from Trento, Tesero, Baselga di Pine, Cavalezze, Predazzo, Monte Bondone, Pozza di Fassa, Passo San Pellegrino, Canazei, Pergine Valsugana you opened your heart to the youth of the entire world and to the FISU Family, be sure that we will never forget you!”, FISU President Gallien said. 

At the end of the Closing Ceremony the FISU flag was passed from the Trentino OC to the FISU President who delivered it to the Granada OC that will host the games in 2015. The ceremony ended with a cultural performance of the new hosts.

More information: www.universiadetrentino.org and www.fisu.net