FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/28/2022
CONTACT: Jon Lundin, Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Head of Communications & Media ([email protected]) Tel: 518-637-6885
LAKE PLACID 2023 FISU WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES’ ORGANIZING COMMITTEE FORMALLY OPENS ITS HEADQUARTERS
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Members of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) returned to tour the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games’ competition venues and meet with the Games’ Organizing Committee. The visit comes as the two-time Olympic village and host city for the 1972 FISU Winter World University Games, along with the surrounding North Country region, continues preparations for the 11-day, multi-winter sports and cultural event, arriving January 12-22, 2023.
“There’s interest and there’s curiosity about the Games. Lake Placid is on the map, it’s going to be on the map forever. FISU is proud to be helping Lake Placid again in terms of relevance,” said FISU General Director Paulo Ferreira. “From our side we want to be good neighbors, not only with Lake Placid but with all Organizing Committees going through.”
The delegation has toured each of the 31st FISU Winter Games’ competition venues and athlete villages in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, Canton, Potsdam and North Creek. They have also met with members of the Games’ Organizing Committee to discuss planning, transportation, opening and closing ceremonies and other aspects of the Games that is expected to bring more than 2,500 collegiate-athletes and delegates to the region to compete in a dozen winter sports and 86 medal events, with an equal number of medals for men and women.
“For us, this is a second miracle. What’s being done here is honestly impressive. With a community of just a couple of thousand, it really shows that there’s a legacy here, that there’s an interest and a spirit,” Ferreira remarked about the preparations.
The FISU delegates have also participated in a pair of ceremonies. They marched in the parade on Thursday, March 24, which welcomed local Olympians home from the Beijing Winter Games. The parade began at the northern end of Lake Placid’s Main Street and ended at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, and acknowledged past Olympians, local youth and the upcoming FISU Games.
On Friday, the FISU delegates helped the Organizing Committee open the Lake Placid FISU Games’ headquarters, located at the former Uilhein Potato Farm on Bear Cub Road. The offices feature an open-plan design to promote better communication and encourage synergy amongst the staff.
“With the Games coming in January, this is an exciting time for the Organizing Committee,” noted Adirondack Sports Council Executive Director Ashley Walden. “I’m excited to have everyone together in one setting, under one roof, so that we continue to grow as an organization and a team and create the best Games’ experience possible, not only for the athletes but for everyone involved.”
“Even though it’s all dressed up for the World University Games, there’s going to be a long-term use of this building for other not-for-profits,” Jim McKenna, Chairman of the Adirondack Sports Council, said of the Uilhein Foundation property. “The University Games has given the Uilhein Foundation the opportunity to see this happen, but more importantly, building it in sustainable ways in which it’s going to benefit the region long-term.”
For more information about the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games, visit www.lakeplacid2023.com. Fans can also follow using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with @lakeplacid2023 and #lakeplacid2023.
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