Issue link: http://newcentury.uberflip.com/i/859903
EMBRACING the International University Sports Federation (FISU's) motto of 'Excellence in Mind and Body', over 10,000 athletes will come together in Taipei, Taiwan to compete in some 300 medal events, across 21 sports at the 29th World University Games, 19-30 August 2017 and Student Sport Ireland (SSI) is delighted to announce the Team representing Ireland in Taipei who will compete with student athletes from all over the world in a true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship. Representative of Taiwan, Mr Simon Tu, Sport Ireland Chief Executive Mr John Treacy and Chair of SSI Ms Carmel Lynch were in attendance to meet Team Ireland Delegation and wish them every success at the 2017 World University Games. Mr Simon Tu congratulated the young Irish athletes and expressed his sense of pride to formally meet with them at the new National Sports Campus. "It is a great opportunity for you to represent our country on the global stage, and I congratulate you all on your selection after so much hard work and dedication... and of course, I hope you will come home with plenty of medals!" Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy addressed the Irish Delegation and commented on the wealth of talent representing Ireland in the city of Taipei "I would like to congratulate each of the 64 athletes on earning the right to represent your country in the 2017 World University Games in Taiwan. The number of athletes reaching the Games and the fact that there are a number of Olympians among the travelling delegation shows the calibre of athletes we have in our third level institutions. Sport Ireland is delighted to support Student Sport Ireland and I wish all the athletes, coaches, support staff and supporters the very best in Taiwan – enjoy this fantastic experience." Student Sport Ireland (SSI) Chair Carmel Lynch recognised the invaluable support of Sport Ireland and the National Governing Bodies in the preparation of Team Ireland. "We acknowledge and highly value the collaboration of Sport Ireland and the National Governing Bodies of Sport in the preparation of this exceptional team and I have no doubt that under the guidance of the Head of Delegation and her staff and all coaches, managers and support staff the student athletes will do our country proud on a world stage". University of Limerick's Ms. Neasa Fahy O'Donnell closed the ceremony stating how she was extremely honoured to lead the Irish Delegation in Taipei: "I am both privileged and excited to lead Team Ireland to the wonderful city of Taipei for the 2017 World University Games. These young high performance athletes will represent their country with great honour and pride as the Games are a unique and for many a 'once in a life time experience'. This multi-sport event provides a performance sport environment akin to the Olympic Games. The dedicated work of SSI and its High Performance Committee in conjunction with the NGBs has ensured the WUG's experience is delivered to the highest of standards for Team Ireland. Let the Games begin". Ireland begin their medal quest on August 18, with the Women's Football team taking on Mexico while the Men face France in the first of their group matches. Swimming events will get underway from August 20, where the 10-strong team of swimmers and 2 divers will hope to emulate Fiona Doyle's silver and bronze medal performances at the 28th Games in Gwangju, Korea in 2015. All Athletic Track and Field commences on August 23, where 12 formidable athletes will compete in a range of track sprint, middle, long distance and hurdles events. The Irish Delegation and competitors are set to depart for Taipei from August 8. The Irish Delegation at the 2017 Games will consist of 64 athletes and 26 team officials and is supported by third level colleges and universities, the relevant National Governing Sports Bodies and Sport Ireland. 2017 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES TEAM IRELAND ANNOUNCEMENT