31 May, 2008

“The 26th Winter Universiade 2013 will take place in Maribor,” said Mr George E Killian, the President of the International University Sport Federation (FISU) today at the announcement ceremony of the 2013 university games. According to his words, the FISU board took unanimous decision that Maribor, together with Ruse and Zrece is ready to organise such an important sports event. “We are happy that the integrity and superiority of our candidature convinced FISU Executive Committee. We are convinced we will prepare a universiade others will have problems following,” said the President of SUSA prof. dr. Otmar Kugovnik right after the announcement.

“The university city of Maribor is ahead of a great challenge, but with the support of the Government, University, and businesses the challenge is definitely among the greatest in its entire history,” said Mr Franc Kangler, the Mayor of Maribor with great satisfaction right after the announcement. He added that organisation of Universiade in 2013 means not only a chance for the development of Maribor, but also entire north-eastern region and Slovenia. In his belief, Maribor will get the development kick-off already in 2012 when Maribor and partner cities bear the title of European Capital of Culture.

The Minister of Education and Sport, dr. Milan Zver, who lead today’s delegation, expressed satisfaction about the decision of FISU. Maribor along with partner cities deserves to host the Winter Universiade, as winter sports are an important part of Slovenian sport life. The minister is also convinced that the 26th Winter Universiade will be carried out with great responsibility and energy.

Mr Boris Podvrsnik, the Mayor of Zrece could not hide his excitement either. He is convinced that today’s presentation was a great promotion for the region and the country, and we can expect even a greater one in 2013 when young athletes will visit us. Around 4000 athletes and team officials participate at the winter universiades, and among them will also be the President of FISU, Mr Killian. He will be already retired then, but he will visit Maribor nevertheless.

The President of SUSA Kugovnik, Minister Zver and Mayor Kangler agree that the 26th Winter Universiade will not only be important as a one-time sports event, but even more because of the effects on the recognition of the region and the country as a whole. The previously mentioned representatives have today signed the attribution document with FISU, so the preparations have already begun today in Brussels.

The City of Maribor is throwing a big party on Friday, June 6 in the city centre to celebrate the attribution of the 26th Winter Universiade 2013.

FISU Executive board attributed the 27th Summer Universiade in 2013 to Kazan, Russia.