|
|
|
7/13/2009
|
|
25TH UNIVERSIADE OFFICIALLY CLOSED IN BELGRADE ARENA
|
After receiving many compliments on their organization, hosts of the anniversary Games won hearts of spectators in Belgrade Arena with youthful closing ceremony and said good-bye to student athletes from 145 countries of the world.
|
The closing ceremony of the 25th Summer Universiade began with the parade of the flags of participating countries carried by Universiade volunteers accompanied by athletes who have taken part in the Games.
The European Commissioner for education, youth and culture, Jan Figl, addressed students in both Serbian and English.
- During past days, you have been witnesses to 12 fantastic days of University sport of the best quality. I thank organizers on exceptional job they have done, but also athletes who justified the FISU motto in the best possible way – perfection of body and mind, said Jan Figl. – We have celebrated in Belgrade, not only the 25th Summer Universiade but also the 60th anniversary of FISU and the 50th anniversary of the first Summer Universiade in Turin.
Jan Figl had special thanks for athletes who, according to him were true promoters of University sport.
- I am certain that you will leave Belgrade with unforgettable memories. I wish you success in your sports and academic careers – concluded Figl.
Dragan Djilas, the Mayor of Belgrade greeted both visitors and citizens of Belgrade.
- Dear citizens of Belgrade, I am proud to be the Mayor of the city that has for 12 days been an excellent host. For Belgrade and its citizens this has been an unforgettable experience. You have shown responsibility, fortitude and commitment to organization of the biggest sports event in 2009. I would like to thank athletes who showed in the best way how to represent their own countries. I hope that you will forever preserve the memory of the time spent here, and that you will be our best ambassadors – said Dragan Djilas.
The Mayor had special praise for volunteers:
- A big thank you to volunteers without whom the Games would not have been possible. But the biggest thank you is for the citizens of Belgrade for being patient, kind and hard-working as always. You have helped us sent to the world an image of Serbia that equals that of the largest world metropolises – Djilas concluded.
Georg Killian closed the 25th University Sports Games in Belgrade.
- As the curtain slowly falls on the Summer Universiade, I would like to express thanks, not only to athletes but to Bozidar Djelic, deputy prime minister of Serbia and members of Organizing Committee for excellent organization of the Games. I would like to express special thanks to volunteers, who were the heart and soul of the Universiade. University sport has once again been able to unite the whole world in the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and global fair play, concluded George Killian.
The Mayor of Belgrade Dragan Djilas handed over the FISU flag to George Killian. The FISU chairman handed the flag of the International University Sports Federation over to the deputy Mayor of Shenzhen, Wang Rong.
The ceremony continued. The hosts once again filled with enthusiasm athletes, volunteers and spectators in the Arena with the innovative and youthful program.
Serbia’s best tennis player Novak Djokovic addressed Universiade participants via video beam.
- I wish to thank Organizing Committee for bringing such a big sports event like the Universiade to Belgrade. I hope that you will leave Belgrade with best impressions and memories – said Novak Djokovic.
|
|