Both federations have been in conversation since the beginning of February this year, exploring the possibilities how the organizations can share their resources to extend their boundaries. The federations met during SportAccord Convention 2017 in Aarhus (Denmark) this April and have discussed the terms and direction both bodies will follow.
As a first step, IeSF will be supporting the FISU WEB GAMES developed by FISU, an innovative proposal for engaging the university youth through international on-line competitions and contests, promoting sport, knowledge, entertainment, education, art and culture worldwide. IeSF will be sharing its knowledge and resources of esports, to support the understanding of the eco-system and also support the creation of esports rules and regulations aligned with FISU’s guidelines. Moreover, both organizations will be looking into hosting joint events in the future to maximize the strength and synergies of traditional sports and esports.
FISU is the world governing body of university sport which operates the Summer & Winter Universiades and the World University Championships and Leagues, along with various other events. Officially founded in 1949, FISU is one of the oldest and profound sports federations in the globe. Its competition programs hold more than 50 sports disciplines, the highest number among all international sports federations. FISU not only focuses on promoting university competitions but also provides opportunities and promotes sports in the academic world, to pursue sport as one of the main components of the education system.
“IeSF is truly pleased to be in partnership with FISU to embrace esports” said Alex Lim, Secretary General of IeSF. “We believe that this initiative will support the development of school and university level esports and enhance the ecosystem as a whole. We also hope this will manifest and accelerate the trigger to benefit esports players in gaining access into public and social structures in each country. eSports is a new rising trend among the youth population and we look forward to creating various good cause and universal values with this Partnership”
