NSO Expressions of Interest Now Open for Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games

This week UTSNZ begins its preparations for the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games (WUG), calling for Expressions of Interest from relevant New Zeland National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).

The FISU Summer World University Games are staged every two years, with this celebration of international university sports and culture drawing many thousands of student-athletes together to compete, making it among the world’s largest and most prestigious multi-sport events.

Scheduled from July 16th to 27th, the 2025 WUG set to unfold in the picturesque landscapes of Rhine-Ruhr, Germany with sports split across five host cities including Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr. 

The twelve-day competition programme includes fifteen compulsory sports. To stay at the forefront of sports development and innovation, organisers may also include up to three optional sports from the FISU Recognised Sports list and the FISU World University Championships programme into their event.

In 2025 the diverse range of competitions include; Archery, Artistic Gymnastics & Rhythmic Gymnastics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, 3x3 Basketball, 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Diving, Fencing, Judo, Rowing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo. 

This edition marks a historic inclusion as Para Sport, including 3×3 wheelchair basketball, joins the programme, showcasing inclusivity and diversity in sports.

With over 10,000 student athletes and officials expected from more than 170 countries, it is a stage where talent meets opportunity on a global scale. 

For UTSNZ the WUG represents a chance for New Zealand to shine, showcasing the depth of talent and the potential of its student athletes to the world. The WUG serve as a crucial pathway for athletes transitioning from junior to senior sport. This experience is invaluable for those aspiring to represent New Zealand at events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Historically, the World University Games have been pivotal for New Zealand's high-performance athletes, especially in Athletics, Swimming, and Rowing. Notable names like Eliza McCartney, Zoe Hobbs and Hamish Kerr have all honed their skills and gained crucial experience through the World University Games, propelling them towards Olympic and Commonwealth representation. 

For athletes, the WUG presents a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a high-performance, multi-sport environment. It's not just about the competitions; it's about cultural exchange, personal development, and exposure to international standards. From navigating athlete village life to dealing with climatic conditions and performance expectations, the WUG offer a holistic experience that prepares athletes for future challenges.

The benefits also extend beyond individual athletes; NSOs stand to gain exposure, international competition, and developmental opportunities for their players, officials, and management personnel. The WUG provides a bridge between junior and senior elite competition, filling a crucial gap in the high-performance pathway.

As New Zealand gears up to participate and excel on this prestigious stage, it invites relevant NSOs to be part of the journey towards sporting excellence and international recognition.

More information on the 2025 Rhine Ruhr Games (RR2025) can be found at https://rhineruhr2025.com/en 

NSO Expressions of Interest close Friday 17 May. Contact info@utsnz.co.nz for more information.