The President of the Slovenian University Sports Association, prof. dr. Otmar Kugovnik, presented the bid for the 26th Winter Universiade Maribor 2013 to the members of Slovenian Parliament on March 5, 2008. According to Slovene legislation, the National Assembly, as the highest legislative authority, has to confirm any candidature for the universiades.

After the support of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, Olympic Committee of Slovenia, Student Union of Slovenia, all Slovenian Universities and other important institutions, we are happy to report that the Members of Parliament showed unanimous support for the bid and funding, with no abstentions or votes against. Such recognition shows the highest support for the bid, and since it comes in time of Slovenia's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we hope that this also means that university sport will get some additional attention throughout Europe.

We are also very proud to have received the support of 25 communities of the "Alliance in the Alps" network, which covers the European Alpine region in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Slovenia with the university city of Maribor, and partner municipalities Ruse and Zrece, is therefore stating a clear message: "We are ready!" We hope to host the best student athletes at the 26th Winter Universiade Maribor 2013.