Athletics Australia – News – Australian team arrives at World Uni Athlete Village

The Australian Uniroos were today officially welcomed to the athlete’s village at the Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China in a flag raising ceremony.

The 220 strong team has been moving into the purpose built athlete’s village over the last few days, for the Universiade, which is expected to attract over 8,000 athletes in 24 sports.  Widely regarded as an important lead in event for the Olympics, the Summer Universiade is an opportunity for a number of Australian athletes to gain further international competition experience as they prepare for London 2012.

Chef de Mission, Olympian Martin Roberts led the team at the flag raising ceremony.

“The Australian Uniroos team at this year’s Universiade is the largest and strongest we have ever assembled,” Mr Roberts said.

“We have a lot of athletes here who are moving towards the top of their sport.  Most of our gymnasts have represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games, many of our swimmers and track and field athletes have also represented Australia,” Mr Roberts added.

One team that is hoping to pick up a medal at this year’s event is the Australian women’s basketball team.  Including seven players currently involved with the national squad, the Uniroos women’s team anticipate some tough competition at the Universiade.

Women’s basketball team manager Trudy Pearce believes that the Australians need to finish top of their pool to have the best chance of picking up a medal.  The team will be playing a friendly against Brazil tomorrow before taking on Sweden in their first pool match on Sunday 14 August.

“The Brazilians have a different style of play to us so we are interested to see how we go against them.  But a tough match will help our preparation before we face Sweden,” Ms Pearce said.

One of the three team captains Nicole Hunt is keeping her eye on a couple of the Swedish players.

“There is a set of twins in the team, who are definitely the ones to watch.  We expect a hard game against them,” Ms Hunt said.

Besides the athlete’s village, the Shenzhen Organising Committee has built a number of new facilities for the Universiade, including an impressive multi purpose venue right next to the athlete’s village.

A team guide, listing the athletes and officials involved in the event can be found here.

The 2011 Summer Universiade will be streamed live on the internet on FISU TV, starting with the Opening Ceremony on Friday 12 August – www.fisu.tv.

With thanks to Australian University Sport.

Athletics Australia – News