As one of the most important information and communication platforms, the Universiade Heads of Delegation (HOD) Meeting will be held for 5 days from April 11 to 15 in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. Two hundred delegates from over 60 countries, including the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, will attend the HOD Meeting.

With only 83 days left until the Opening Ceremony, the HOD Meeting will also be an opportunity for the Gwangju 2015 Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) to test a variety of functional areas, such as transportation, immigration support, accommodation, protocol etc. Through these simulations, the GUOC can check the preparations, implement plans, and recognize any shortcomings before the actual games. 

HOD Meetings are usually held three months prior to the Summer Universiade, in conjunction with the team draw of the team sports included in the sports program. The dates, location of the meeting as well as its program are decided by the FISU Executive Committee. The meeting usually lasts for three full days, excluding arrival and departure.

In order to enable participants to visit the host city and to inspect the Universiade venues, the organizing committee will provide the same sites for accommodation and meeting services as the actual Summer Universiade.

On Sunday, April 12, the HOD Meeting, venue inspection, and official welcome dinner will take place. Team draw for team sports, press conference, and more venue tours will take place on April 13. On the last day of the meeting, the HOD meeting will include Q&A sessions and venue inspections.

The HOD Meeting will also be an opportunity for Gwangju to showcase the 28th Summer Universiade to the world. Not only delegations but also journalists from around the world will be in Gwangju to see what the city has to offer in July. 

As the team draw for team sports generates a significant amount of interest, the HOD Meeting also draws the attention of sports fans. On April 13, team draws for basketball, volleyball, water polo, football, and handball will take place.

Former Korean sports stars, such as three-time Olympian KANG Man-soo (volleyball), Olympic gold medalist HONG Jeong-ho (handball), national football superstar CHOI Soon-ho, and representatives from various sports associations will participate in the team draw.

A GUOC representative said, “Communication is key to a successful event. Therefore, the Gwangju Universiade is working hard to establish effective communication channels between the organizing committee, participating countries, and FISU. By providing the right information at the right time, we hope that the athletes and officials can focus on the competitions and have fun in Gwangju.”

(onlinenews@heraldcorp.com)