Hey there, sports fans! 🎉
Guess what just happened in Germany? The 2025 World University Games have officially started! 🏆 On Wednesday night, the city of Duisburg was buzzing with excitement as athletes from all over the world gathered at the Schauinsland Reisen Arena. This is the same stadium that hosted the big opening in 1989! How cool is that?
The ceremony kicked off with an amazing performance called “Now and Together.” It was a wonderful mix of classical music and modern sounds, played by the WDR Funkhaus Orchestra. 🎶 Everyone was clapping and cheering as volunteers held signs saying “no Games without U.” Get it? Because U stands for “you” and “university”! 😉
Leonz Eder, the president of FISU (that’s the International University Sports Federation), gave a speech wishing all the athletes good luck. He said he hopes the competitions will be unforgettable experiences! 🥇
One of the most touching moments was when retired miners and school choir members sang a special song called the “Steigerlied,” which is popular among German miners. It was a beautiful way to remember the region’s history. 🎤
The highlight of the night was when the Olympic flame arrived! It was carried by Heide Ecker-Rosendahl, who won the gold medal in women’s long jump back in 1972. She passed the flame to six other athletes, and together they lit up the stadium in a spectacular display! 🔥 Each flame represented one of the six cities co-hosting the Games.
Germany is super proud to be hosting the Games this year. They have their largest team ever: 305 athletes! Athletes from more than 150 countries and regions will be competing from July 16th to 27th. That’s a lot of new friends to make! 🌍
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President Hendrik Wüst welcomed everyone by saying, “University Games are a celebration of respect, tolerance, and friendship.” Isn’t that a wonderful message? ❤️
So, are you excited to see all the amazing sports and teamwork? Let’s cheer on all the athletes and celebrate this incredible event together! 🙌
Let the Games begin! 🏀🏊♀️🤸♂️
Reference(s):
FISU World University Games opening ceremony held in Duisburg
cgtn.com
