SEOUL, South Korea, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Distinct differentiations of Universiade Gwangju are introduced under Eco & Economic, Peace & Development, IT & Communication, and Culture & Education categories.
Eco & Economic
The Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) has reduced its budget for constructing facilities. Through the use of existing facilities, only 4 out of 69 venues are newly built, such as the Nambu University International Aquatics Center. It is the most high-tech and eco-friendly swimming venue in Korea and the facilities will be used for the World Aquatics Championships in 2019. Since the property was provided by Nambu University, the entire construction cost was noticeably reduced. The Aquatics Center will be operated and managed by the University after the games. Similarly, Kwangju Women's University Universiade Gymnasium was designed to hold exhibitions and concerts after the Universiade. Along with the aquatics center and gymnastic center, the Jinwol International Tennis Court and Gwangju International Archery Center were cost-effective construction projects. 65 existing competition and training venues are located in Gwangju and other provinces.
An eco-friendly reconstruction of a 30 year-old apartment complex will be utilized as the Universiade Athletes Village. The Athletes Village construction project was funded by private capital investments and will be returned to the previous residents after the games, which will solve the problem of post utilization.
The GUOC saved 200 billion won by minimizing new venue construction and secured 100% of the marketing rights. Many corporations are sponsoring the World University Games in Gwangju by providing electronic goods, vehicles, food & beverages, apparel and more. Therefore, the Gwangju Universiade will be the most eco-friendly and cost-effective event in history.
Peace & Development
Gwangju Universiade looks forward to youth from around the world participating in this mega sporting event. Forums and conferences will be held for youth to network while achieving a common goal.
Gwangju is the first Universiade host city to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the UN to fulfill and share the value of peace by hosting the EPICS Forum and Youth Leaders Program.
The EPICS Forum was held in Gwangju for three consecutive years, from 2013-2015. During these events world famous professors and experts in the fields of "Eco," "Peace," "IT," "Culture," and "Sports" gave lectures and introduced their theses to 500 college and graduate students. These students were able to offer their thoughts, ask questions and discuss the topics with the speakers.
The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) was hosted by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) and Gwangju. It was held to empower youth from developing backgrounds and conflict zones. The program helped give the tools and grow a community's capacity to build on its strengths and respond to pressing community needs. 33 students from 19 countries, including four students from the Democratic of People's Republic of Korea, participated in YLP in 2013.
The organizing committee was invited to a special event to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace at the UN headquarters in New York on April 15th. The GUOC had the opportunity to give a video presentation on the Universiade Gwangju 2015 and discuss international sporting agendas with international figures including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and IOC President Thomas Bach.
Gwangju has stepped up to provide relief to those in need following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, which claimed over 1,000 lives. The organizing committee organized a fund-raising event from May 21-29 to support the Nepalese athletes' participation in the Universiade games.
IT & Communication
As Korea is a global IT powerhouse, Universiade Gwangju will be the most efficient and convenient event using Information Technology. In a first for an international sporting event, all venues and the Athletes Village will buzz with free WiFi. Various Social Networking Services (SNS) such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, Kakao Talk, and Tic Toc will be used by the organizing committee staff to promote events and communicate efficiently.
Culture & Education
Anti-doping and cardiac screening projects have been established to raise personal health awareness. The GUOC, International University Sports Federation (FISU) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have published a free anti-doping textbook for university students on 5 continents to promote and educate athletes on anti-doping. Also, free cardiac screening will be provided throughout the games to prevent cardiac injuries.
The FISU Forum and FISU Conference are networking platforms to advance technical, social and cultural skills through sports. The FISU Forum was held for college and graduate students from March 17-22, 2014 in Gwangju. This forum was comprised of lectures by famous professors and speakers, group study and discussions. Students can feel free to deliver their thoughts and share opinions on how to enhance and develop university sports. FISU Conference Gwangju 2015 will be held from July 11-14, 2015 at Honam University. With the support and cooperation of the Korea Society for History of Physical Education, Sport, and Dance (KSHPESD), FISU Conference Gwangju 2015 will be a platform to not only stimulate research on university sport but also establish a global network within the academic and sports community.
Universiade is not just a sports festival, but also a cultural festival for youth to connect with the world and experience true sportsmanship. Young athletes can enjoy the cultural festivals in Gwangju together regardless of language, religion or ethnicity. The World Youth Festival will also be held from July 4-13 at the Asian Culture Complex Plaza and Geumnamro. The festival includes youth camp, music festivals and more for everyone to enjoy!
Contact:
Jiyoung Lee
+82-62-616-3663
2015press@gmail.com
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