July 24, 2023 | at the FISU Summer University World Games
FISU has a long and rich history of presenting and developing college sports around the world. Today, July 24, Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Museum was inaugurated at Dong’an Lake Sports Park Stadium in Chengdu. With dignitaries from FISU and the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Organizing Committee, this amazing history gallery now provides a permanent record of the FISU World University Games Summer, China’s history as the host of the FISU Games, the legendary athletes who competed, and Chengdu’s journey through bidding, planning, and soon hosting the FISU Games.
The acting President of FISU, Leonz Eder, welcomed the guests and spoke about the value of this archive. “It showcases the priceless treasures of previous FISU World University Games… it’s really special – it’s fantastic.” He donated a plaque to the museum as the official opening certificate, as well as another gallery item, the FISU flag, which features all previous hosts of the FISU Summer and Winter Games.
Eric Saintrond, Secretary General and CEO of FISU, saw his journey with FISU reflected in the museum’s galleries, paintings and artifacts. “I’m very impressed. It’s almost 40 years of my life.” He promised to provide additional elements to further tell the story of FISU and college sport. “We will continue to bring back additional memorabilia. You have created something unique for college sport in the world,” he said.
The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Museum is not only a tribute and record of world university sports, but also a great asset to Chengdu. “The museum is a space where we experience and learn,” said Chen Yanfu, executive vice president of the Executive Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Organizing Committee. “[This] will be another milestone in the work to make Chengdu a great city of culture,” he continued. Like Saintrond, Chen also recognized the desire to further enrich the collection and display, as well as digitize existing museum resources.
At the end of the opening ceremony, FISU’s acting president, Eder, received a letter from the museum’s honorary curator. Then, all dignitaries from FISU and Chengdu took the stage to cut some of the ribbon, officially declaring the opening of this spectacular new institution for the FISU World University Games, university sports and Chengdu’s current host role.
