Li Hao
THE International University Sports Federation (FISU) has launched a sports journalism training program for young sports journalists to cover the Universiade, said Eder Leonz, a FISU assessor in charge of media, at Saturday s press conference to conclude the three-day meeting for the heads of delegations in Shenzhen.
The Young Sports Journalist Seminar is the first of its kind in FISU history, said Leonz.
The FISU would invite 10 young sports journalists from five continents to the Games in August when they would receive specialized media training from seasoned mentors of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
The 10 sports journalists, aged between 19 and 25, will join Chinese colleagues selected by the Games organizing committee and the international colleagues selected by the AIPS.
The AIPS will provide professional trainers and seasoned journalists to act as mentors and coaches.
At Saturday s press conference, Ralethe Malumbete, first assessor of the FISU, said most of the delegation heads were most impressed by the sports facilities for the Universiade.
The delegates from 52 countries and regions visited the main venues for the Games.
However, staging a great event is a great challenge, Malumbete said.
Shenzhen has been striving to attract a record number of participating countries and regions for the Universiade, with an estimated 13,000 athletes and officials expected to attend.
Malumbete said that, by using the sports facilities after the Games, residents would be encouraged to take part in sports.
Shenzhen can also hold more provincial, national and international sports events after the Universiade, said Malumbete.
However, when asked to comment on the controversial change of the venues for the opening and closing ceremonies, Malumbete did not give a direct answer, saying only that the opening and closing ceremonies were important for athletes.
The venues for the opening and closing ceremonies were relocated to Nanshan District from Longgang District, which has raised concern about transport for the huge number of athletes.
Chinese teams will compete in Group A in the four Universiade team sports: water polo, basketball, volleyball and football, according to Saturday s team draw.
In addition, Russia s Kazan will send 32 volunteers for the Games.
