Dusseldorf, Germany: This week, the FISU World University Games 2025 officially opened with a spectacular ceremony in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region. The multi-city event began with a grand celebration of youth and sport, marking the start of the most sustainable and inclusive edition of the World University Games to date.
Held across the cities of Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games will welcome more than 10,000 student-athletes from over 170 countries. Taking place from 16 to 27 July, this year’s event emphasize sustainability and inclusion, highlighted by the integration of para-sport events. For the first time, 3×3 wheelchair basketball athletes will compete on the same court and on the same day as their able-bodied teammates, and under the same spotlight.
Wherever youth and sport meet, United Through Sports (UTS) is never far. UTS President Stephan Fox and CEO Julia Govinden are present in Rhine-Ruhr to represent UTS and reaffirm our longstanding partnership with FISU, an alliance grounded in shared values and a joint commitment to place young people at the heart of sport.
At the core of FISU’s mission lies the belief that sport is a powerful educational tool, fostering leadership, teamwork, and discipline among students. FISU continues to create pathways for young people to grow both on and off the field.
FISU has supported UTS since our inception n 2017. Former FISU President Oleg Matytsin participated in our inaugural UTS World Youth Festival in 2018, followed by continued support under the leadership of President Leonz Eder. President Eder has actively engaged with the youth of the world, delivering inspirational messages during the UTS World Youth Festival in 2021 (Saudi Arabia) and 2022 (Bangkok).
This partnership is more than collaboration, it represents a shared vision of a world where all young people, regardless of background or ability, can access sports, education and thrive on the playing field of life. Supporting our partners is a key contribution UTS prioritises nurturing a supportive sport culture.
The UTS leadership is honored to attend the FISU 2025 University World Games, and for their innovative and commends the inclusive and innovative approach to the event, continually delivering enriching opportunities to youth. One such initiative is the Young Reporter Program, which empowers aspiring journalists from around the world by granting them access to the venues, Main Press Centre, and real reporting tasks, providing them with a global platform to report on the event in their own unique voices.
UTS looks forward to our continued partnership with FISU towards granting youth positive opportunities through sport and promote a more inclusive and equitable world. As the competition unfolds, we look forward to witnessing the inspiring achievements of student-athletes and the continued impact of youth-centered programs that make a lasting difference, on and off the field.
