Universiade
In July of 1983, the city of Edmonton hosted the World University
Games, also known as Universiade ’83. The games were an important
milestone for Northlands Park, Edmonton, and the country. Second in size
only to the Olympics, and twice as large and more prestigious than the
Commonwealth Games, the occasion filled the city with excitement.
The games usually attracted about 85 participant countries that were
represented by youth enrolled in post-secondary institutions. Often
regarded as a drafting zone for future Olympians, there was a strong
sense of tradition and importance imbued in the games.
Edmonton’s mayor, in conjunction with the University of Alberta and
stakeholders such as Edmonton Northlands worked hard to tailor a
proposition to host the ’83 games. This required visioning in terms of
how to accommodate the huge numbers of people that would be coming into
the city. It also required collaboration to construct new facilities and
make the best use of existing ones such as the Northlands Coliseum (now
Rexall Place).
Based on its strong bid, Edmonton was short-listed as a possible host
city and its representatives went to London, England to present a plan
it would follow if approved. In 1980, Universiade’s governing body, The
Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire decided to grant
Edmonton the grand opportunity. The feat was a true event, as the city’s
winning bid made it the first Universiade to occur in Canada or the
United States.
A contributing factor in the decision was the clearly outlined use of
Edmonton’s facilities for the requisite sports: swimming, diving, water
polo, tennis, cycling, basketball, gymnastics, fencing, and cycling. The
Coliseum was to serve as one of the major venues, being the site for
volleyball and gymnastics. Years leading up to the games were spent in
preparation, renovating the venues and conceptualizing events.
To facilitate the preparation process, the Universiade ’83 Edmonton
Corporation was created. Two prominent Edmonton Northlands board
members, Don Sprague and Jim Hole were involved in administering the
games through the corporate body. They were kept busy with the numerous
minute details that went into executing an event of such huge
proportions.
Aside from sports taking place at the games, other Universiade
activities included dance, music, and art events. Importance was placed
on cultural exchange through the coming together of international
athletes and spectators. Save for one tragic accident, in which a young
Russian diver injured his head and later died, the games were a
resounding success. With the help of what was previously Edmonton
Northlands, the city’s hosting capacities had been proven.
Participating countries had totaled 72, and the 3,451 athletes,
coaches, doctors, and trainers visiting the city had expressed their
pleasure with its facilities and people.
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