FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/22/2022
CONTACT: Jon Lundin, Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Head of Communications & Media ([email protected]) Tel: 518-637-6885
FISU Flag Completes Journey from Torino, Italy to Lake Placid, N.Y.
Ceremony Officially Designates Lake Placid and North Country Region as Host of 2023 FISU World University Games
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — On Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, State, regional and local officials gathered at Mid’s Park on Main St. in Lake Placid, N.Y. and officially raised the FISU flag signifying the Upstate New York community and surrounding North Country region as host of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games, scheduled for Jan. 12-22, 2023.
“This is the second time that this flag will wave in Lake Placid and represent this community’s commitment to its sporting legacy,” explained Ashley Walden, Adirondack Sports Council Executive Director, to the crowd of area residents and visitors gathered in the park. “As a former athlete I have a passion for winter sports. I first came to Lake Placid in 1995 to try my hand at luge. I trained here for 10 years before officially making this town my home. While it was the training facilities and opportunities that brought me here, it was the community that made me proud to call Lake Placid home.”
Earlier this week, members of the Lake Placid 2023 Organizing Committee traveled to Torino, Italy to take part in an official flag handover ceremony. There, they accepted the flag from the Lucerne, Switzerland 2021 FISU World University Games’ Organizing Committee. Lake Placid was the host community for the seventh edition of the Games in 1972. That was the only other time the FISU Winter World University Games have been staged outside Europe or Asia.
During Saturday’s ceremony, the Flag was delivered to Mid’s Park by members of the Lake Placid Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department, and North Elba Town Supervisor Derek Doty.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin said, “Today the countdown officially begins: in one year, people from all over the world will come to celebrate the FISU World University Games, visiting a crown jewel of New York and surrounding themselves with the beauty of the Adirondacks. Congratulations to all who made today possible, and for bringing an event that will serve as an economic engine for the North Country and its small businesses that have taken the brunt of the pandemic over the past two years.”
Village of Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin highlightedhow the village of 2,600 residents has prepared to host the global event and their lasting sustainable legacy and impact.
“Last summer alone our small community had 12 major construction companies working to make sure everything is in order. That includes our sports venues, our infrastructure and the housing projects that are going on in Lake Placid, that will be used for the FISU World University Games and then provide long-term community housing afterwards,” he said. “All of these improvements and the name recognition worldwide will be the legacy that the FISU World University Games leave in Lake Placid.”
Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Pratt added, “We have incredible new renovations at our venues. The natural resources are paramount, but it’s the people that make the experiences special. Athletes and spectators will be assured a great experience during the FISU World University Games. New York State and the North Country will be able to appreciate the effort made preparing for these Games for decades to come. ”
The FISU World University Games is the largest international winter multi-sport event for collegiate-athletes. The 11-day international cultural festival and competition will be twice the size of Lake Placid’s 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Two-thousand-500 collegiate-athletes, delegates and coaches from 50 nations and 600 universities are expected to converge on Upstate New York to compete in 12 sports and 86 medal events, with an equal number of women’s and men’s medals awarded.
Senator Dan Stec added, “This event is great for our local economy, but more importantly it allows the world witness some of the best student-athletes from around the globe compete right here in the Adirondacks. I look forward to the 2023 Games and the opportunity for thousands of people to experience all our region has to offer.”
In addition to Lake Placid, competitions will also be held in Canton, North Creek, Potsdam, Saranac Lake and Wilmington. There will also be an emphasis on climate awareness and environmental responsibility.
For more information about the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games, visit www.lakeplacid2023.com. Follow the Games on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with @lakeplacid2023 or #lakeplacid2023.