Vandenplas led a four-strong delegation to the South Korean city as FISU continues to work with Gwangju 2015 officials as they prepare to host the Univerisade next year.

The visit was a first for FISU members since the expansion of the Gwangju 2015 Organising Committee and its relocation to a new headquarters in the centre of the city.

The FISU delegation conducted meetings concerning the progress being made in areas such as IT and communications, accreditation, television and media, and the Athletes' Village.

FISU delegates look around the construction site of the Athletes' Village during the inspection of Gwangju ahead of the Univerisade next year ©Gwangju2015



Accreditation was of particular importance during this latest visit, with FISU director of development and special projects Laurent Briel making his first trip to the city in order to conduct an in-depth inspection of the accreditation centre, and discuss details such as data management and the categorisation of participants.

Vandenplas was impressed by the progress that had been made since his last visit in October 2013, and highlighted the improvements in the cooperation between each department.

Kim Yoon-suk, secretary general of Gwangju 2015, added: "This FISU visit was the first inspection since the Gwangju Organising Committee has stepped over into practical operations after its last re-organisation.

"It has provided us the opportunity to listen to the good advice that the FISU delegation has given us.

"We will work closely together with FISU in order to host a successful Universiade."

Gwangju 2015 officials will now get set to host a series of meetings with FISU next month, including its Universiade Supervision Committee meeting, FISU Forum, and the FISU Seminar.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2014: FISU delegation visits Gwangju as preparations continue ahead of 2015 Summer Universiade
February 2014: Gwangju 2015 undergoes major expansion and relocates headquarters to city centre
January 2014: Gwangju 2015 appoints Opening and Closing Ceremonies executive director
November 2013: FISU delegation visits Gwangju 2015 to inspect IT and media
October 2013: Knowledge transfer briefing held between Kazan 2013 and Gwangju 2015