University sports to be broadcast to worldwide audience

BRUSSELS, March 18 (AIPS) - International university sporting competitions will now be broadcast live to the world thanks to a new deal with Russian television channel “SPORT”.

The university sport federation FISU's Secretary-General Eric Saintrond and the CEO of the All-Russian TV Channel ‘SPORT’, Mr. Vasily Kiknadze have signed a contract which will see the world of university sports broadcast to millions around the globe. The training ground of University sport is often the precursor to some of the greatest Olympic moments.

The agreement means that the channel will broadcast the next two Winter and Summer Universiades (2009 and 2011) not only in Russia and all other Russian speaking countries, but internationally via the satellite channel ‘Planeta Sport’.

A spokesman for FISU said the deal is an important one for the federation; one which confirms FISU’s important progress in the world of sports media.

Bidding closed for 2013 Universiades

Meanwhile, FISU has closed the bidding period for the 2013 Universiades.

The following cities have officially entered their candidature within the deadline: 2013 Summer Universiade - Gwangju, Korea - Kazan, Russian Federation - Vigo, Spain 2013 Winter Universiade - Maribor, Slovenia In the coming weeks between now and May 31, 2008 the FISU Evaluation Committees will travel to the candidate cities for inspection visits.