Edmonton takes bid for 2015 Universiade to the international level

All three orders of government have officially confirmed their support for Edmonton's bid to host the 2015 Summer University Games.

The pieces are now in place to proceed with an international bid. Edmonton's bid team will file an official letter of intent with FISU, the international sport body that awards the Games, on October 8.

"The Alberta Government is proud to support the bid for Universiade 2015 and the efforts to bring athletes from around the world back to Edmonton," said Premier Ed Stelmach. "A successful bid creates opportunities to showcase Alberta on the world stage, strengthen our tourism and economic sectors, and it demonstrates our commitment to encourage healthy, active living."

"The values that we learn from sports teamwork, discipline and confidence are values that are on display in communities across this country," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "The Federal Government is proud to support Edmonton and the University of Alberta's bid to bring this premier sporting and cultural event to Edmonton and we look forward to showcasing our Canadian values to the world."

The bid is a joint effort of the City of Edmonton, the University of Alberta and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). The Federal Government confirmed its support in principle in early September. A condition is a third-party evaluation of the Game's business plan, which is well underway. The Provincial Government announced its support today.

CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) selected Edmonton as Canada's Universiade bid city in June of this year.

The final bid package is due in March, 2009. The committee will make its final presentation on May 30, 2009 and FISU will announce its decision that day.

"Edmonton's international reputation as a host is strong, and we are going to keep working to expand our profile even farther," said Edmonton's Mayor Stephen Mandel. "We are sport city and a warm, enthusiastic host city. We are thrilled that our partners share our vision. Together, we are going to put a solid bid forward."

"This just goes to show what happens when you have an excellent team working together," said 2015 Bid Committee Chair Eric Newell. "I'm extremely grateful to our exceptional partners, the City of Edmonton and CIS, who worked tirelessly with us on this bid and the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada for their enthusiastic, two-thumbs-up support, without which it simply would not have been possible to make this dream a reality."

Other countries that have expressed interest in bidding for the 2015 Universiade include Spain, Korea, Brazil and Poland.

The Games' capital budget includes building a new Go Community Centre, student housing at the University, a second 50-metre pool at the Kinsmen Sport Centre, new field houses at the University, St. Francis Xavier High School and Commonwealth Stadium, as well as upgrades to many of Edmonton's existing sport facilities.

It is estimated that about 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials will attend the 2015 Universiade from as many as 140 countries.

Edmonton hosted the Universiade in 1983. That was the only time the event was held in Canada.

"Having hosted the 1983 Games, the University of Alberta community knows how much we will gain if our bid is successful," said University President Indira Samarasekara. "Today, with this wonderful announcement of support, we are one step closer to achieving our goal. This is a chance to show the world that the University of Alberta is a global university, where students gather from around the world to engage in world class activities."