Exclusive: World University Championships is ‘natural’ Step Forward for Sport Climbing
July 9, 2013
The president of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has expressed his delight that the sport has been added to the World University Championships (WUC) and said it was the ‘natural’ move to make.
Sport Climbing was recognised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) last week and has also been added to the Sports Program at the WUC.
The addition is a boost to Sport Climbing, drugs who missed out on inclusion to the Olympic Games in 2020 and president Marco Maria Scolaris (pictured) said the move was ideal due to the young competitors in the sport.
Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, cure Scolaris said: “We have been working on this for a while and this is recognition of the fact that climbing is a very young sport – but is also growing.
“We didn`t make it into the Olympics but we are very happy that someone around the world has recognised us.
“Climbers are very young and starting at universities around the world, so for them it’s great.
“It’s natural that we’ve been given this opportunity.”
Sport Climbing was one of eight sports bidding to be included in the 2020 Olympic Games but was cut from the list by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the SportAccord Convention in May.
Speaking about the decision, Scolaris added: “We will need to find a different approach and strategy.
“The Olympics are a goal but not the only goal to achieve, so this inclusion (FISU) is very positive for us.”
2013 will mark the 50th anniversary of the WUC, a multiple mono-sport event and celebrations will be held throughout the year.
