One hundred eighteen nations paraded proudly into the opening ceremony of the 2019 Universiade. A night filled with great performances with the flames shaped to resemble Mount Vesuvious, the volcano now looms over the beautiful city of Napoli.

Many VIPs from around the world came to honor the Universiade athletes, including the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malago an

d so many others. Sport Accord and GAISF was represented by Rafaelle Chiulli and Vice President, Stephan Fox.

FISU President, Oleg Matytsin made an emotional address to the student athletes saying it all, speaking to the athletes from the heart, that not everyone will leave Naples with a medal, but the biggest victory will be the chance to leave Naples as a better person.

Congratulations must go to FISU and the city of Naples and IFMA is a proud member of the FISU family.