The vice-president of the Chungcheong 2027 Organising Committee Chang Seop Lee gave a presentation on plans for the event to this year's AIPS Congress ©AIPS

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) Global Strategy and preparations for the Chungcheong 2027 World University Summer Games dominated university sport discussions at the International Sports Press Association Congress at the Seoul Hotel in Korea.

The vice-president of the Chungcheong 2027 Organising Committee Chang Seop Lee gave a presentation on their plans for the event, which is expected to feature 15,000 participants from 150 countries.

Lee said the Games had a budget of KRW581 billion ($440 million/£350 million/€400 million) and would be hosted in cooperation with Governments and the private sector.

Organisers are looking to deliver a high-efficiency Games featuring cutting-edge IT technology and well-developed infrastructure.

Lee announced there would be 18 sports across 31 venues, with 19 already existing and only needing refurbishment.

One new venue is set to be constructed by the Organising Committee, with nine by Governments, and two temporary venues.

Lee concluded that Chungcheong 2027’s target was making sure that athletes participated in their best condition, and that the event had the slogan "with u, with heart", and the motto "step, jump, leap."

FISU Acting President Leonz Eder used a speech at the Congress to thank AIPS for its partnership ©AIPS
FISU Acting President Leonz Eder used a speech at the Congress to thank AIPS for its partnership ©AIPS

Chungcheong was awarded hosting rights at last year’s FISU Executive Committee meeting, defeating North Carolina of the United States, which was subsequently awarded hosting rights for the 2029 edition.

FISU Acting President Leonz Eder used his own speech at the Congress to update on the organisation’s Global Strategy 2027, which was launched at the FISU General Assembly in 2017.

Eder spoke about FISU’s goals on sustainability, which includes commitments to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.

He also reflected on the cancellation of the Lucerne 2021 World University Winter Games due to new restrictions introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which he described as "his baby."

Eder said that CHF26 million (£23 million/$29 million/€26 million) had been spent on preparations for the event, before its enforced cancellation.

Finally, Eder reflected on FISU’s work with International Federations and partner organisations, of which AIPS is one.

"AIPS is a very good partner for us and we are very grateful for all you do to promote the values of university sports," he said.