LAKE PLACID — Members of the International University Sports Federation recntly returned to tour the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games’ competition venues and meet with the Games’ Organizing Committee.

The visit came as the two-time Olympic village and host city for the 1972 FISU Winter World University Games continues its preparations for the 11-day, multi-winter sports collegiate event, arriving Jan. 12-22, 2023.

“There’s interest and there’s curiosity about the Games. Lake Placid is on the map, it’s going to be on the map forever. FISU is proud to be helping Lake Placid again in terms of relevance,” FISU General Director Paulo Ferreira said in a statement. “From our side, we want to be good neighbors, not only with Lake Placid but with all organizing committees going through.”

The delegation has toured each of the 31st FISU Winter Games’ competition venues and athlete villages in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, Canton, Potsdam and North Creek. They have also met with members of the Games’ organizing committee to discuss planning, transportation, opening and closing ceremonies and other aspects of the Games that are expected to bring more than 2,500 collegiate athletes and delegates to the region to compete in a dozen winter sports and 86 medal events, with an equal number of medals for men and women.

“For us, this is a second miracle. What’s being done here is honestly impressive. With a community of just a couple of thousand, it really shows that there’s a legacy here, that there’s an interest and a spirit,” Ferreira said.

The FISU delegates have also participated in a pair of ceremonies. They marched in the parade on March 24, which welcomed local Olympians home from the Beijing Olympic Winter Games.

This past Friday, FISU delegates helped the organizing committee open the Lake Placid FISU Games’ headquarters, located at the former Uilhein Potato Farm on Bear Cub Road. The offices feature an open-plan design to promote better communication and encourage synergy amongst the staff.

“With the Games coming in January, this is an exciting time for the organizing committee,” Adirondack Sports Council Executive Director Ashley Walden said. “I’m excited to have everyone together in one setting, under one roof, so that we continue to grow as an organization and a team and create the best Games experience possible, not only for the athletes but for everyone involved.”