ISF Gymnasiade Normandy 2022 Preparations in Full Flow

Welcome of ISF Delegation and Technical Sport Commission Representatives to Normandy

Tuesday 1st February saw the ISF delegation led by ISF Secretary General/CEO Hrvoje Custonja, welcomed to the Region of Normandy by the Vice-President in charge of Sport and Youth, Aline Louisy-Louis. The ISF delegation, composed of the Technical Sport Commission Presidents and Coordinators, has travelled to Normandy for the continued preparations of the 19th ISF Gymnasiade Normandy 2022, with preparation meetings and visits taking place until 4th February.

Following the initial day of meetings and venue visits in the city of Deauville on Monday, today saw the arrival of the ISF Technical Sport Commission Presidents and Coordinators, representing the sports that will make up the event’s competition programme. Their arrival provided the opportunity for the Region of Normandy to welcome the entire ISF delegation to Normandy, in the framework of continuing the advanced event preparations already in place. During the occasion, welcome words as well as thanks were exchanged between the Region of Normandy and ISF.

ISF Secretary General/CEO Hrvoje Custonja:

“I would like to thank the Region of Normandy and each of the 9 host cities, for their warm hospitality and all their hard work to bring to life this 19th edition of the ISF Gymnasiade. Furthermore, I would like to thank the French Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport for the complete support throughout. I would like to especially thank ISF member the UNSS for their full dedication throughout this whole process, as well as for this week, welcoming ISF Technical Sport Commission from all around the world, allowing us to deliver the best experience possible for participants in May. Preparations are in full flow, and we are all ready to shine the light on school sport on the global stage, here in Normandy for what will be a truly special occasion. Thank you, Normandy, for welcoming the world of school sport.”

Vice-President in charge of Sport and Youth, Aline Louisy-Louis:

"The Region of Normandy is delighted to host this major ISF event. Our region is a land of sport and we will demonstrate it to the world during #ISFNormandy2022. Normandy is strongly supporting this event and we are glad of the mobilisation of our different cities and infrastructures for the organisation of the event. The culture and legacy of Normandy will resonate worldwide in the school sport world. We look forward to hosting the youth of the world in the best conditions, in collaboration with all stakeholders."

Leading up to this official welcome, the members of the ISF delegation who had previously arrived in Normandy on Monday, continued to meet, and discuss with counterparts from the Local Organising Committee of the UNSS. Topics focused on Functional Areas, as well as the sport programme and the health protocols to be implemented for the event were discussed throughout the day, with further meetings and site visits planned for the remainder of the visit.

As the largest international multi-sport event for 16-18 year old school students, the 19th ISF Gymnasiade will welcome more than 3500 participants from over 70 countries to compete in 20 different sports, including 3 para sports, a first in ISF history. Alongside this extensive sport programme, participants will engage in cultural and educational activities, all of which will take place across nine cities throughout the region of Normandy.

Find out more about #ISFNormandy2022 by visiting the event webpage: https://events.isfsports.org/isf-gymnasiade-2022/