Sporting enthusiasm: Passau students in action at WUG 2025!

Sporting enthusiasm: Passau students in action at WUG 2025!

This year, eleven sports students from the University of Passau worked as volunteers at the FISU World University Games (WUG) in Germany. The games took place from July 16 to 27, 2025 in several cities, including Essen, Berlin, Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf and Mülheim an der Ruhr. Around 8,500 athletes from up to 150 countries took part in the competitions in 18 disciplines, making this event the largest multi-sport event of the year. A total of 234 medal decisions were made.

The WUG is not only seen as an important sporting event, but also as a possible calling card for a bid for the Olympic Games in Germany. Both the Bavarian Prime Minister and representatives from North Rhine-Westphalia have already expressed ambitions to bring these games to Germany.

Commitment of Passau students

During their voluntary work, the students from Passau gained valuable experience and skills that they can use for their studies. A total of 35 students from the University of Passau are supporting the games. The volunteer helper model was developed by the University of Passau and has now become established nationwide. Prof. Dr. Gereon Berschin, who was on site as a supervising lecturer, took part in the fencing award ceremony and expressed his wish to bring the WUG to Bavaria or Lower Bavaria in the future.

Participant Lea Dressel described her experiences as much more than just volunteer work. For her it was a living enthusiasm for sports and an opportunity for international encounters. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Bartosch, the President of the University of Passau, was pleased with the active participation of the students and the opportunity to get involved in such a large and important event.

Historical significance of the WUG

The World University Games have a long history since they were last held in Germany in 1989, when the city of Duisburg hosted them. The event can be seen not only as a highlight for the participating athletes, but also as a platform to promote intercultural exchange and strengthen social cohesion through sport.

Volunteering in sports projects not only opens up the opportunity to contribute to the success of an event, but also the chance to combine a passion for sport with a global experience. These aspects of volunteering are particularly important because sport not only promotes physical fitness, but also strengthens social skills and self-confidence of those involved. This commitment is therefore a valuable enrichment for all students and society as a whole.