The students' new role will see them do their utmost to promote next year's Universiade across the nation, with a hope of inspiring others to become a part of the Games.

"I am really proud of becoming a member of the Gwangju Universiade, a global festival for university students, and I will do my best to promote the Universiade at my university," said Shim Yun-jeong, one of the students appointed as promotional ambassador.

The appointment ceremony was held at the May 18 Memorial Culture Centre in Gwangju's Seo-gu district ©Gwangju2015



As well as "Unifriends", tens of thousands of students have formed groups of "Unibirds" who will support the Universiade through a host of promotional activities and events.

"In order for the Gwangju Universiade to become successful, we need the full support and participation of the University students, who are in the centre of it all," said a Gwangju 2015 official.

"That is why there are more than 24,000 University students actively taking part as Unifriends, Unibirds, and student reporters."

"We aim to recruit around 150,000 students to become a supporting network and they will lead in the success of the Universiade, volunteering and working together with international students from around the globe."

Tomorrow will see the newly appointed ambassadors travel to Mudeungsan National Park before visiting the Gwangju Kia Champions Field Stadium where they will release a flock of balloons carrying their wishes for a successful Universiade in 2015.

The Games are due to run from July 3 to July 14, 2015.

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