The International University Sports Federation (French: Fédération internationale du sport universitaire; FISU) is an international sports organization founded (instituted) to develop and promote sport among students.
Founded in 1949 in Merano, Italy, FISU’s main responsibility is the supervision of both Summer and Winter Universiades, as well as the World University Championships. The General Assembly, represented by its members (170 National University Sports Federations) is FISU’s main government body. It elects the Executive Committee for a four-year period, which takes all the necessary decisions for the smooth running of FISU. Fourteen permanent commissions support the Executive Committee in their fields of specialization to facilitate its duties. FISU is funded through subscriptions, organisational and entry fees, broadcast and sponsorship revenue.

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FISU Presidents:

  • 1949 – 1961 – Paul SCHLEIMER. FISU was created thanks to the enthusiasm of the Luxembourgian physicist and mathematician Paul Schleimer.
    1961 – 1999 – Primo NEBIOLO, who was an ardent supporter of the development of international university sports movement and the University Games development.
  • 1999 – 2011 – George E. KILLIAN, American sports administrator and basketball coach, carried the torch from Primo Nebiolo. He was elected for a second full term in 2007.
  • 2011- 2015 – Claude–Louis GALLIEN, vice-president of French Olympic Committee and first vice-president under Nebiolo and Killian, was appointed Expert of the Commission for Culture and Olympic Education of the International Olympic Committee in 2014.
  • Since November 2015 – Oleg MATYTSIN, in-office president, is a Russian Professor and Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences. He is also Honorary President of the Russian Students Sport Union.
Oleg MATYTSIN

Oleg Matytsin (born 19 May 1964) is a Russian Professor and Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Education and Honoured Doctor of Beijing Sport University. He is currently President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), a member of the Presidential Council of the Russian Federation for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport, a member of the International Fair Play Committee and Honorary President of the Russian Students Sport Union (RSSU). Prior to becoming President of FISU, Matytsin played a crucial role in the development of the European University Sports Federation (EUSA), serving as Vice-President from 2007 to 2015. Matytsin is married with two sons.

Embracing FISU’s motto of ‘Excellence in Mind and Body’, all events incorporate educational and cultural aspects into sports competitions, bringing together sport and academia from all over the world to celebrate in a true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.