U SPORTS, the national brand of university sports in Canada, supports the decision announced Monday to postpone the upcoming 2021 FISU Winter Universiade, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the franchise holder for the International University Sports Federation (FISU), U SPORTS organizes all aspects of Canada’s participation in all World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups, and various educational events. The national office was preparing the country’s participation for the 30th edition of the Winter Games, that was to be held in Lucerne, Switzerland from Jan. 21-31, 2021.
“Canada is fully behind FISU’s tough but necessary announcement to delay the 2021 Winter Universiade,” said U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer Lisette Johnson-Stapley. “This was the right decision for the health and safety of all student-athletes, coaches and mission staff. We look forward to Canada’s participation in future FISU events.”
U SPORTS continues to evaluate the logistical limitations around international travel and competition, while remaining in touch with FISU and the Lucerne 2021 Local Organizing Committee on the ongoing status of the Games.
A FISU member since 1965, Canada has participated in 24 past editions of the Winter Universiade, with the last missed occasion coming at the 1975 Games held in Livigno, Italy. The remaining Games without Canadian student-athletes were in 1960, 1962, 1968 and 1970.
Canada has also participated in 26 of 30 Summer Universiades, with the exception of 1959, 1961, 1963 and 1977.
For the full FISU release click here.
