The Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) voted to confirm the selection of North Carolina as host of the 2029 FISU World University Games. This news comes just months after North Carolina was the runner-up to South Korea in its bid to host the 2027 Games.
North Carolina’s bid to host the World University Games (WUG) is focused in central North Carolina, from Raleigh to Greensboro. The region includes 19 colleges and universities with more than 250,000 university students. According to Hill Carrow, Chairman of the NC Bid Committee, the Games will be held on many of the campuses within this region of our state.
Carrow added that hosting the Games is similar to a large corporate relocation in terms of economic impact. The World University Games is expected to deliver over $150 million to North Carolina, with the added benefits of significant international tourism and worldwide branding exposure for our state and local communities.
“The award of the 2029 FISU World University Games to our state and country is the culmination of an extensive 5-year effort by more than 1,000 individuals, 13 universities, 5 cities, 5 counties, the State of North Carolina, and 53 corporate and organizational sponsors to land this amazing event," Carrow said after the announcement was made this week in Lake Placid, New York.
FISU President Leonz Elder had this to say: “We were very impressed with what North Carolina has to offer. Even though North Carolina was not successful with its bid for the 2027 FISU Games last autumn, we have worked diligently since then on the best way to secure North Carolina as a future host."
NC Governor Roy Cooper posted this response on Twitter: "We're excited for the opportunity to host the World University Games in North Carolina in 2029. Our state has world class facilities, a great enthusiasm for college sports and legendary southern hospitality that will make these games a success,"
The announcement is also the culmination of efforts made by RRAR and our Global Committee to sponsor the World University Games. 2022 Global Chair Hannah Chan was part of the team that helped bring RRAR to the WUG sponsorship table.
"RRAR's Global Committee and all our ambassadors agreed that we should get involved. I am so grateful not only we have the most diverse Global committee in our state. I'm also grateful for the RRAR leadership and staff for to working to promote Realtors bringing more business and jobs to North Carolina," Chan shared after the announcement.
Chan also expressed thanks to RRAR's Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, RRAR staff, and her fellow Global Committee members for their support in sponsoring the Games.
The World University Games Summer, first held in 1959, are for student-athletes ages 18 to 25. There are 15 required sports, including Olympic staples such as track and field, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and water polo. In 2029, baseball, rugby, and softball could be added.
WATCH: FISU's YouTube of North Carolina winning bid to host 2029 World University Games
courtesy: FISU
