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2021 World University Games canceled

The 2021 World University Winter Games in Lucerne, Switzerland have been canceled. The decision to cancel the games — which were slated to take place on Dec. 11 to 21 — was announced Monday.

“In this regard, it is with huge regret and sadness that we have to announce, a few days prior to the opening ceremony, that the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade cannot take place and has to be canceled,” FISU Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer Eric Saintrond said in a statement.

The decision comes after meetings took place between the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade Organizing Committee’s Board of Directors on Sunday. The officials discussed the latest pandemic developments and related travel restrictions. The committee ultimately determined that it would not be possible to hold this year’s games.

The World University Games were previously postponed from its original date in January before the event was rescheduled to December.

Lake Placid is set to host the next edition of the biennial winter games in 2023.

“The Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Organizing Committee fully supports the very difficult decision made by FISU and the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade Organizing Committee,” Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Chief Operating Officer Ashley Walden said in a statement. “After several years spent preparing for December’s Games, officials made their decision based on the health and safety of the participating athletes, delegates and all those associated with the Games. We continue to prepare for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games as planned.”

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