Cartago in Costa Rica is set to host the FISU World Forum next month ©FISU

International University Sport Federation (FISU) World Forum executive director Laura Sancho Martínez has given a presentation to the Costa Rican Parliament on the progress of preparations for the event, due to run in Cartago from December 5 to 9.

The presentation was attended by Costa Rica's vice-president Mary Munive, FISU Executive Committee member Rosaura Mendez, and representatives of the Costa Rican universities.

The FISU World Forum is set to take place at the campus of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology under the main theme of "university sports as a driver from sustainable development".

"I am very excited that Costa Rica is hosting such an important and prestigious international event," said the Costa Rican vice-president.

"This is a great opportunity for sports organisations to exchange knowledge and promote the role of sports in fostering inclusion, discipline, respect and tolerance."

Around 250 delegates from more than 60 National University Sport Federations are expected to participate in the forum, which is hoped to be a good opportunity for people to reconnect.

Rosaura Mendez feels that the in-person meeting will be crucial for FISU members ©FISU
Rosaura Mendez feels that the in-person meeting will be crucial for FISU members ©FISU

"It will allow us to meet again in-person after such a long period of pandemic and to open a new phase of face-to-face activities," said Organising Committee member Rosaura Mendez.

"For FISU, it is crucial."

The FISU World Forum was originally planned to be held in April but was delayed last year until December due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The five-day programme will provide participants the chance to discuss and debate issues impacting global university sport.

The 2024 FISU World Forum was awarded to Split in Croatia and it is set to take place between July 24 and 28.