Today’s Stars, Tomorrow’s Leaders

The same qualities that drive student-athletes to succeed in sports are also key to helping them be leaders in both business and their communities. The International University Sports Federation (FISU) is part of the student-athlete team, helping them develop the skills they will need to be tomorrow’s leaders. FISU does this in part through conferences, seminars and partnerships with leading universities and organisations. 

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2017 FISU World Conference 

Sport, particularly university sport, cuts through the differences and boundaries. It can help bring young generations and nations together. Sport drives cultural, social, and environmental changes for the better. With the tremendous potential of sport, we can broaden the horizon of sport in our lives and communities. 

The aim of the FISU World Conference on Development through Sport in Taipei was to gather, during three days, renowned scholars and young researchers to discuss the place sport has within the university, to exchange ideas regarding its development and the new challenges of university sport.

The 2017 edition provided the opportunity for all participants to better understand what the values of amateur sport can bring to communities. FISU conferences promote the exchange of ideas and the results of scientific research on this specific topic, to make sure competitive and leisure sport is given its appropriate place in the development of young students who are going to be tomorrow’s leaders.

To find out more on the FISU World Conference on Development through Sport, click here.

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2018 FISU Forum

Every two years, the FISU Forum on University Sport brings together students, officials and other key partners involved in the university sport movement.

Combining academic sessions with cultural, educational and sporting activities, the Forum is a five-day event meant to develop and strengthen the worldwide university sport movement.

The 2018 FISU Forum on University Sport was held in Krasnoyarsk, Russia from August 6 to 10. 

Life after sport was the main topic of discussion. 

Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina, a former Olympic gymnastics champion and an ambassador for the 2019 Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk, gave a speech on the importance of preparing for life after retiring from sport, saying the "inner power" athletes have allows them to be a leader "in any field".

A report was also presented on the importance of a "double career", meaning the need to gain qualifications to facilitate a career outside of sport, while simultaneously competing at a high level.

A talk was also given by the President of the National Program of Scholarships for talented athletes from the United States, Guy Taylor, who said that such systems motivate young athletes to achieve success in both the sports and educational arenas.

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2019 FISU World Conference on Innovation and Education in Sport

Held in conjunction with the Krasnoyarsk 2019 Winter Universiade, the FISU World Conference is a time for educators, scientific researches and business leaders to exchange knowledge and ideas in sports, particularly those of importance to student-athletes. It will be held on March 4 and 5, 2019.

More event information can be found by following the 2019 Winter Universiade here.

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Gender Equality

FISU is a leader in the study and promotion of including women at all levels of university sport, advocating equality and equity of opportunities for men and women in the field of physical activity, sport and recreation.

The Gender Equality Award is accorded every other year by FISU during the Summer Universiade. This distinction is earned by an organisation or individual doing the most to include equal opportunities for men and women in the university sport arena.

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FISU Youth Leadership Seminars

Organised on the sidelines of FISU sporting and educational events, the FISU Youth Leadership Seminars provide student-athletes and officials opportunities to learn about the topics that are often of great interest to them: social media, communication skills and anti-doping. Professional speakers moderate these seminars. By learning from others' knowledge and experience, participants develop their own competences. Eurosport, the World Anti-Doping Agency, Adecco and JTA are traditional FISU Youth and Leadership Seminar partners.

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RIOU Master of Sport Administration

The Master of Sport Administration of the Russian International Olympic University is a one-year, full-time programme of further professional development in sports management, and is endorsed by the International Olympic Committee. Located in Sochi, the main objective of this sport administration programme is to produce a new generation of effective sports managers with both strategic and operational skills. 

You can find further information here.

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More on FISU Education Events and Committees

To find out more about FISU Educational Events, including information on the Educational Committee, the Gender Equality Committee and the Student Committee, visit the FISU website.