Opinions & Interviews

ZASLAVL, 15 August (BelTA) – Successful organization of the 6^th World University Championships in Canoe Sprint will let Belarus apply for hosting university competitions of a higher level, Secretary General of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Eric Saintrond told media at the opening ceremony of the competitions in Zaslavl on 14 August, BelTA has learned.

The FISU representative stressed that the goal of his visit is not just control and assessment of the championships, but also an opportunity to meet the local authorities in order to discuss further cooperation and in particular the prospects for Belarus to host multi-discipline events such as Winter and Summer Universiades.

In his words, the meetings with the local authorities which have already taken place proved Belarus’ interest in hosting high-level university sports events. Eric Saintrond praised the results of his visit and expressed hope that the FISU delegation would be soon back in the country with a package of documents necessary for the organization of the World Universiade in the coming years.

Eric Saintrond stressed that Belarus has been a FISU member for nearly 20 years and has been a regular participant of its competitions. Belarus has never hosted any world university forums before. He named the World University Championships in Canoe Sprint a historical moment for the country, which is very important both on the domestic and international arena.

The FISU official also gave full marks to the National Olympic Rowing Center in Zaslavl.