“Korea is a country where successful answers are given to the enormous human challenges posed by coupling a rich and original cultural heritage with strong technological and economic transformation,” Gallien said in an interview.

He noted that FISU selected Gwangju City as the host of the Summer Universiade, given its pivotal role in moving forward South Korea’s modern democracy movement. Gwangju is the site of the historic student-led May 18, 1980 Democratic Uprising.

“Gwangju, the city of light, culture and education, is also the city whose students are both a living memory and a hope for tomorrow,” he said. “The Universiade will really leave a positive legacy to the city, the country and to the University sports movement.”

The 2015 Universiade Gwangju is pursuing four initiatives known as EPIC -- being an eco-friendly, peace-promoting, IT-centered and culturally rich event.

“These four slogans stick perfectly to the image that one could give to sports events in general and FISU events in particular,” Gallien said, highlighting how each fits into the Universide’s goals -- including support for sustainable development and the promotion of peace and friendly cultural exchange. 

The FISU president asked all participants, youth and spectators to remember the university games as not simply an international multisport event but also a cultural and educational festival for the world’s youth.

“The Universiade intends to be the starting point for a new impetus among the youth of the world, opening new perspectives for students who will be tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)