The Universiade Village would be the first impression of the Games in China for people from different cultures and languages, said George E. Killian, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), at Saturday’s opening ceremony of the village in Longgang District.

A flagman raises a Federation of University Sports of China flag at the opening ceremony of the Universiade Village on Saturday afternoon, August 7th.

Shenzhen Party chief Wang Rong (L) and FISU president George E. Killian at the opening of the Universiade Village on Saturday afternoon ,August 7th.

“The opening of the Universiade Village is a special moment when the Games opens its doors to participants and volunteers, who will spend about two weeks together. It will be a unique experience,” said Killian.

Killian said managing the village was a challenge for the Games organizing committee. More than 10,000 athletes and officials from overseas would be accommodated at the village.

On behalf of the FISU’s 28-member executive committee, Killian expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the village a reality.

The 1,400-member village service team has 13 departments covering accommodation, voluntary services, health care, religious services, transport and security.

Arriving in Shenzhen on Friday afternoon, Killian visited Games volunteers at Wuzhou Guest House, the official hotel for FISU officials, the next day.

“Without you, we could not get the job done,” Killian told the volunteers.

Zhang Xinsheng, president of the Federation of University Sports of China (FUSC), said at Saturday’s ceremony that hosting the Universiade by Shenzhen opened a door to the world on China’s future.

“Born around half a century ago, the Universiade has not only promoted the development of university sports, but provided an exchange platform for world youth,” said Zhang.

Saturday’s ceremony also welcomed the arrival of the 804-member Chinese delegation, which includes 505 athletes from 110 universities.

Delegations from the United States, Britain and Australia have also arrived.