An international multi-sporting event, the Universiade is organized by the International University Sports Federation. Its name is derived from the combination of words “Olympiad” and “University” as the iconic sporting event is reserved for university athletes. Often called as the World Student Games or the World University Games, the 2011 edition will be held in Shenzhen, China.

The International University Sports Federation, more commonly referred to as FISU, was founded to promote sporting values within university institutions. The FISU hopes to encourage sporting practises while highlighting the importance of fair-play, fraternity, friendship, integrity, perseverance and co-operation. Furthermore, it aspires to instil university spirit in every student by giving a new dimension to research, study and discipline. In addition, it aims to encourage the participants to learn to collaborate with others, whilst respecting the ethical code enshrined in the sporting event. It also promotes humanistic development of the individual, which will in the long run help the society at large. Thus, the FISU not only stands as an organization for a sporting event, but the intellectual, physical and moral development of the students.

Taking place from 12th to the 23rd of August 2011, the Shenzhen Universiade will bring together students from 45 different countries, vying for a top place in a number of sporting activities. The list of sports planned for the event is the same as the previous year’s event, which spans both modern events and traditional Olympiad games. Few of the sports are basketball, judo, beach volleyball, aerobics, weight lifting, diving, golf, archery, shooting, taekwondo, tennis, athletics and fencing.

A biennial event, this gathering of the world’s most promising young athletes will take place is some of the newest sports venue in Shenzhen. In preparation for the games, 21 new sports centres and stadiums were built, making the event much more exciting as the attendees will be among the first to experience the grandeur of the venues. The Shenzhen Bay Sports Center is regarded as the largest venue. Due to its distinct shape and lattice iron shell, it is already been called as the “Spring Cocoon” and houses a stadium, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a variety of public spaces and a number of shops.

For travellers interested in witnessing the 2011 Shenzhen, an ideal Shenzhen long stay apartment would be Ascott Maillen Shenzhen. Guests staying in one of these Shenzhen serviced apartments will amidst the city’s major attractions, including Sea View Plaza, Sea World and Prince Square.