FISU World University Games facts for kids
Quick facts for kids FISU World University Games |
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The flag of the International University Sports Federation
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| Status | active |
| Genre | sporting event |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Location(s) | various |
| Inaugurated | 1959 (summer) 1960 (winter) |
| Organised by | FISU |
The FISU World University Games are a huge international sports event. They are for university students from all over the world. The International University Sports Federation (FISU) organizes these games.
The games used to be called the Universiade. This name was a mix of "University" and "Olympiad". In 2020, FISU changed the official name to FISU World University Games.
The most recent Summer Games happened in Chengdu, China. They were held from July 28 to August 8, 2023. These games were supposed to happen earlier but were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another event planned for Yekaterinburg, Russia, was cancelled due to a conflict.
The most recent Winter Games were in Lake Placid, United States. They took place from January 11 to 21, 2023. The 2021 Winter Games in Lucerne, Switzerland, were also cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contents
History of the Games
The idea for a global sports competition for students started a long time ago. People wanted to bring student athletes together from different countries.
In 1909, Germany hosted an event called the Academic Olympia. This was one of the first international student sports events.
Later, a group from France, led by Jean Petitjean, tried to organize "University Olympic Games." They decided not to use "Olympic" in the name. Instead, they started the 1923 International Universities Championships. This event grew and changed names over the years.
After World War II, different groups organized student sports. The International University Sports Federation (FISU) was formed in 1949. They started their own events called the "Summer International University Sports Week."
Eventually, FISU became the main group for student sports. In 1957, many countries came together for the 1957 World University Games. This event helped bring everyone together.
The first official FISU Universiade (now World University Games) was held in Turin, Italy, in 1959. This marked the start of the games as we know them today.
Summer Games Host Cities
The Summer World University Games have been held in many cities around the world.
Winter Games Host Cities
The Winter World University Games are also held in various cities.
Sports at the Games
The World University Games are special because they can change their sports program. The host country can choose some extra sports. However, there are also sports that must always be part of the games. These are called "compulsory sports."
Summer Games Sports
The first Summer Games in 1959 had 8 sports. These included athletics, basketball, and swimming. Over time, more sports were added.
Compulsory Summer Sports
These sports are always part of the Summer Games:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Athletics (like running and jumping)
- Swimming
- Diving
- Gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic)
- Fencing
- Tennis
- Table tennis (since 2007)
- Judo (since 2007)
- Taekwondo (since 2015)
- Archery (since 2019)
- Badminton (since 2021)
Optional Summer Sports
Host cities can choose to add these sports:
- Baseball
- Beach volleyball
- Field hockey
- Rugby sevens
- 3x3 basketball
- Handball
- Softball
- Rowing
- Shooting
- Wrestling
- Golf
- Sailing
- Open water swimming
- Weightlifting
- Canoeing
- Chess
- Cycling
- Wushu
- Aerobics gymnastics
- Belt wrestling
- Billiards
- Boxing
- Roller sports
- Sambo
- Synchronized swimming
Football used to be a compulsory sport but is no longer part of the games.
Winter Games Sports
The Winter Games also have a mix of compulsory and optional sports. Since 1991, host cities can choose some extra sports.
Compulsory Winter Sports
These sports are always part of the Winter Games:
- Curling (since 2007)
- Ice hockey (since 1966)
- Alpine skiing
- Biathlon (since 1997)
- Cross-country skiing
- Figure skating (since 1981)
- Freestyle skiing (since 2023)
- Snowboarding (since 1999)
- Ski-orienteering (will be compulsory from 2027)
- Short track speed skating (since 1997)
Optional Winter Sports
Host cities can choose to add these sports:
- Bandy
- Nordic combined
- Ski jumping
- Ski mountaineering
- Skeleton
Speed skating has a special status and has been included many times.
Medals
Countries compete to win the most medals at the World University Games. Medals are awarded for gold, silver, and bronze.
Top Nations in Summer Games
Over the years, some countries have won many medals in the Summer Games. The top nations include:
- China (CHN)
- United States (USA)
- Russia (RUS)
- Japan (JPN)
- South Korea (KOR)
Top Nations in Winter Games
In the Winter Games, these nations have often been at the top:
- Russia (RUS)
- South Korea (KOR)
- Japan (JPN)
- China (CHN)
- Italy (ITA)
Images for kids
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A student football match at the 3rd World Festival of Youth and Students
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During the 1989 Summer Universiade
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During the 2011 Summer Universiade
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Opening ceremony of the 2017 Summer Universiade
See also
In Spanish: Universiadas para niños
- International University Sports Federation
- FISU World University Championships
- FISU America Games
- All-Africa University Games
- European Universities Games
- ASEAN University Games
- Gymnasiade
- International Children's Games
