by sportswriters Huang Yuhan, Li Dian and Tang Mingze
CHANGCHUN, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade will serve as a bridge connecting the world and create lasting memories for young people globally, Matthias Remund, secretary-general and CEO of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), told Xinhua during the recent Heads of Delegation meeting in Changchun.
Speaking as representatives gathered to finalize preparations for the Games, Remund said this was his fourth visit to Changchun and that he had been impressed by the region's winter sports resources. "We learned that Jilin Province has more than 60 ski resorts, and the scale is really impressive," he said.
Having worked in winter sports for many years and competed in four Winter Universiades as a Swiss cross-country skier, Remund said he had visited facilities around the world but was struck by Jilin's potential.
"I didn't know enough about Jilin before. After coming here, I found that Jilin really is a winter sports destination," he said. "For FISU, it's a great opportunity to come to Jilin, come to Changchun and celebrate the Winter Universiade in 2027."
Remund said preparations were progressing smoothly and expressed confidence in the organizers.
"I never had doubts about the service delivery," he said. "We have had a short time to prepare. FISU has also sent representatives to Changchun several times to help address related issues, and we have worked very well together. I am very impressed by what has already been achieved."
The Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade will run from Jan. 15 to 25, 2027. Guided by the principles of economy, efficiency and sustainability, the Games will feature competitions in Changchun and Jilin City, with 93 events across 12 sports. Cross-country running will make its debut at the Winter Universiade.
For Remund, the inclusion of cross-country running carries special significance. Some countries and regions lack the natural conditions traditionally associated with winter sports, and the addition of the discipline could open up new opportunities for more young people to engage with the Winter Universiade. Remund said the move could also send a message to parts of the world without ice or snow, helping extend the reach of international university sports.
"The platform will be great, and the bridge will be built," he said. That idea of building connections lies at the heart of what Remund hopes Changchun 2027 can achieve.
Remund emphasized the Games' broader legacy: bringing leading university athletes together to compete, exchange and learn, while encouraging local people to experience winter sports.
He highlighted the importance of renovating existing venues and keeping them accessible to residents, visitors and international tourists after the event.
"It's not only the Games themselves that matter, but also the projects around the Games," Remund said, adding that keeping venues open to the public after the event would be an important part of that legacy.
Beyond the Games, Remund said he had also been deeply impressed by Jilin's distinctive mountain landscape.
"At Beidahu Ski Resort, I saw green grass and cattle in the mountains in summer, while in winter there are ski tracks and winter tourism. It's really the same situation we have in Switzerland," he said, adding that he hopes to return after the Games as a tourist to hike and enjoy the mountains. ■
