"This is the magic of the Universiade" - Interview with Reno Ed, Acting Chairman of the International Federation of Sports Federations, Chengdu | Universiade | Magic

On July 28th, at the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Universiade held at the main stadium of Dong'an Lake Sports Park, Reno Ed, acting chairman of the International University Sports Federation, called on global university athletes to experience the magic of the Universiade in his speech.

What is the magic of the Universiade? What is his evaluation of the Chengdu Universiade? What is your impression of the four Universiade cities in Chinese Mainland? What kind of memories will pandas and Sichuan cuisine leave for him?

During an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Ed provided answers one by one.

"I really admire the people here"

After the interview, when the interview team took a photo with Ed, the kind old man specifically reminded everyone to put their hands together and said, "This way we will be a team!" Indeed, during the preparation period for the Chengdu Universiade in the past few years, Ed and his international team deeply felt the power of the team.

The preparation work for large-scale sports events has always been arduous and tedious. The Chengdu Universiade has been postponed twice due to the pandemic, which has further tested all parties involved. When it comes to the preparation process, Ed is full of emotion: "With the support of the China University Sports Association, the Organizing Committee of the Chengdu Universiade has prepared to host the Universiade in 2021 through cooperation with the international community. Their unwavering determination and drive have left a deep impression on me, because it is not easy to hold such a big competition. Suddenly, due to the epidemic, it was unable to be held on time, and then it was postponed again."

Interview team and Ed's group photo

In the end, China adheres to the concept of simplicity, safety, and excellence in hosting the competition, earnestly fulfills its solemn commitments, and ensures the smooth hosting of the Chengdu Universiade. 6500 athletes from 113 countries and regions shared the passion and vitality of the Chengdu Universiade, and Chengdu achieved its dream of the Universiade.

"I really admire the people here because they once again said, 'Let's work together and turn our dreams into reality,'" Ed said. ".

On July 28th, Reno Ed, Acting President of the International Federation of Sports Federations, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. That evening, the opening ceremony of the 31st Summer Universiade was held at the main stadium of Dong'an Lake Sports Park in Chengdu. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wu Gang

"China is the country I have visited the most in my life"

Ed has an inexplicable bond with China. His first visit to China can be traced back to 1985, when he was a member of the Swiss university sports delegation and participated in the Universiade held in Kobe, Japan. After the competition, he participated in a Chinese cultural tour with the delegation members.

"We went on a trip to Guilin, where there are beautiful mountains and rivers. We also went to see the Yangtze River, Hangzhou, Beijing, and other different cities. This trip was great, and I decided to come back as often as possible," he said.

Over the past 20 years, the Summer Universiade and Winter Universiade held in Chinese Mainland have provided Ed with the opportunity to visit China again. "China is a great host country for the Universiade, with the Summer Universiade in Beijing in 2001, the Winter Universiade in Harbin in 2009, and the Summer Universiade in Shenzhen in 2011... so I have had enough opportunities to return to China." He said, "Now I can say that China is the country I have visited the most in my life."

The pictures are in sequence: scenes of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Universiade, the Harbin Winter Universiade, the Shenzhen Universiade, and the Chengdu Universiade. Image from Xinhua News Agency

When talking about the four cities of the Universiade in Chinese Mainland, Ed felt cordial. "The palaces and Great Wall in Beijing show us China's rich culture and thousands of years of historical heritage. Harbin is a winter destination, very cold, but there is a very beautiful ice sculpture festival here, which may be the best in the world. Shenzhen is a rapidly developing city with many new technologies. Now, Chengdu is a very urbanized green city. They are unique."

Ed also said, "China always hosts the Universiade with great enthusiasm and has achieved great success. Therefore, no matter which city China hosts the Universiade, we will be very happy."

Overlooking the core venue of the 31st Summer Universiade and the location of the main stadium for the opening ceremony, Dong'an Lake Sports Park. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Jiang Hongjing

"I have never taken so many photos before"

62 years ago, Mr. Schleimer, founder of the International Federation of Sports Federations, said, "The Universiade is a grand event of friendship.". Nowadays, the Chengdu Universiade also provides a stage for global college students to gather together.

"After experiencing the long pandemic where we could only meet online, we once again came to the Universiade Village to live together for 10 to 12 days. Delegates from 113 countries and regions reunited and used the opportunity after the competition to communicate with each other. This is great!" In Ed's eyes, this is the magic of the Universiade.

"I want to tell people who come to Chengdu to participate in the Universiade that we need to communicate with volunteers, local people, and cities to better understand their history and culture," he said.

On July 22nd, members of the Brazilian delegation arrived at the Chengdu Universiade Village. On that day, the athlete village of the 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu officially opened. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Xi

However, he also reminded, "Student athletes should first focus on their athletic performance, because they work hard to train and come here hoping to achieve good results. On the other hand, cultural activities such as concerts and city cultural visits will also be organized in the Universiade Village. After the competition, based on past experience, students will participate in such activities, meet each other, and talk to each other. I believe people will go and experience the beautiful green city of Chengdu."

Ed also shared his experiences in Chengdu with reporters. "During the delegation leader meeting, I had the opportunity to visit the Panda Research Base. I was really lucky because the weather was very good at that time, and all the pandas - I would say 90% of them were outdoors. It was a wonderful experience, and I think I have never taken so many photos before."

When it comes to the Chengdu Universiade mascot "Rongbao" in the shape of a panda, Ed also thinks it is very cute. "I have four grandchildren, and they all want to have it. So, this time I will bring more" Rongbao "back.".

This is the Chengdu Universiade Sichuan Opera face changing blind box "Rongbao" doll shot on July 19th at a licensed retail store for the Chengdu Universiade. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Xi

He said that although pandas are very popular, Chengdu is not just about pandas. There are also many things worth watching and experiencing for foreigners here, such as Sichuan cuisine famous for its spiciness. However, as a former coach, Ed suggests that athletes should focus on the competition before the game and then try Sichuan cuisine after the game.

Producers: Yu Xiaozhong, Xu Jiren, Chu Xuejun, Sun Zhiping, Qian Tong

Producers: Zhou Jie, Liu Jiawen, Mi Ligong

Video: Li Ji, Mei Yuanlong, Liu Yutian, Li Yaguang

Jointly produced by the Sports Department of Xinhua News Agency, Xinhua Net, and the Audio and Video Department of Xinhua News Agency