Be part of it: Volunteer programme for the World University Games officially launched

29.02.2024|14:00 Uhr

Those responsible for university sports centres at the University of Wuppertal are already looking forward to the World University Games, the largest multi-sport event in the world, which will take place in 2025 very close to the Rhine and Ruhr. Even if the competition venues are not located in the Bergisch region, the sporting event, which is expected to attract around 10,000 student athletes and officials from over 170 countries, will provide universities throughout Germany with points of contact. Students and interested parties from the region can register for the volunteer programme from today to support the event in various areas.

"This is a unique experience for German university sports centres," says Birger Hense, who is currently the provisional head of Wuppertal UniSport. From 16 to 27 July 2025, athletes will compete in five cities and 18 sports on the Rhine and Ruhr. "At these games, people from all over the world will come together to celebrate sport, science and culture," emphasises Hense. In addition to the competitions, there will also be accompanying events such as scientific conferences and fan festivals. Hense: "We at Wuppertal UniSport will also be planning various activities to familiarise Wuppertal university members with the event and present the university."

The official application phase for the volunteer programme starts today. Those interested can support the event in around 50 different areas and positions: In the "Sports" area, for example, volunteers gain exciting insights into one of the many sports, in "Communication" they work with media representatives from all over the world and at the "Culture & Side Events" volunteers provide the cultural and non-sporting supporting programme. "This gives our students, and of course anyone else who is interested, the opportunity to gain great experience, which in many cases can even fit in with their degree programme. The chance to make international friends is also valuable," says Hense.

The volunteer programme at the World University Games is generally open to everyone. However, there are a few points to bear in mind: Anyone wishing to volunteer must be at least 18 years old on 1 June 2025, speak fluent German or English and be available on at least four event days.

Click here to register

The organisers have compiled comprehensive information on the programme, registration and the application process on the website for volunteers. Registration is possible until 15 September 2024.

What are the FISU World University Games?

The World University Games are an international multi-sport event that has been held every two years since 1959 and is organised by the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU for short). They take place every year, alternating with the sport-specific student world championships. Sports represented in 2025 are: 3x3 basketball, 3x3 wheelchair basketball, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, archery, fencing, apparatus gymnastics, judo, athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, rowing, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, water polo and water jumping.

To qualify for participation, athletes must be enrolled at a university or comparable institution and be no older than 25 years of age. Who is allowed to represent their country at the Games varies from nation to nation and from sport to sport. Some of the athletes qualify through university championships, while others are nominated by the sports federations. "The University Games enjoy a high reputation in many countries around the world; in America, for example, the careers of many professional athletes begin at colleges. Visitors can therefore look forward to very high-calibre sport," explains Birger Hense, acting head of UniSport Wuppertal.

It is not yet clear whether students from the University of Wuppertal will also be taking part - the qualification phases are still ongoing in many sports.