BRUSSELS – The International Press Committee of FISU, chaired by Leonz Eder, has selected twelve applicants for the Young Sport Journalists Seminar that will take place concurrent with the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China.

"It was a tough choice as a great number of the applicants were valuable candidates", CIP Chair Eder said. "Originally we opted for 10 young journalists, 2 from each continent, but due tot the high number of applicants from the Americas, we decided to divide the American continent in two subcontinents (North and Central & South)", Vice-Chair Verena Burk explained. "We are grateful to the FISU Executive Committee that accepted our proposal."

"We are really looking forward to work with these young enthusiast kids in Shenzhen. It will be a first for FISU and it will give these young journalists a wonderful experience for their future careers in journalism", Mr. Eder added.

The Young Sport Journalists Seminar is a partnership between FISU and the Shenzhen OC and AIPS. While FISU will sponsor the travel costs of 12 young journalists, the OC will provide the lodging. Furthermore, the OC will invite 30 young Chinese journalists, while AIPS will select 20 international. All participants will be tutored by sport press veterans and will without doubt learn some great skills they can use in their starting careers.

It goes without saying the selected applicants were very excited. "I feel honored to be selected to attend the Young Sports Journalists Seminar at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen", Australian Dominick Czakilew stated. "I am looking forward to learning from professionals in the industry as well as working with other sports enthusiasts. This is a truly wonderful opportunity."

"Unbelievable, I don't believe it. I got it. I'm in. I cannot wait to have this great experience", Everton Melo from Brazil reacted.

"I am honored to have been selected to attend the Young Sports Journalist Seminar at the 26th Summer Universiade", Erin Meagher said. "I am very excited to meet and work with other young journalists from around the world, as well as learn from accomplished mentors." Tirtha Kumar Sarma from India is very excited. "Eagerly waiting for the date to come. Hope to learn new skills and having a thrilling experience for covering the Universiade for the first time."

"This selection is a great opportunity for me because it will allow me to meet other young journalists and professionals of sports from other countries and we could share our knowledge", Sene Diacounda from Senegal added. "It will also allow me to discover China's culture and way of dealing with sport. I am looking forward to going to China and share important and fantastic moments."

"Never, in a million years, did I think I would be selected for this program, it's an incredible honor!", exclaimed Canadian Justin Fauteux. "I can't wait to get there. This is going to be the experience of a lifetime, both professionally and personally."

"I was happily surprised to hear the good news", said Christian Cruz form the Northern Mariana Islands. "This surely is a once in a life time opportunity. I can't wait to be at the Games and share my experiences with my island community."

For Serbian Sonja Nikcevic the selection adds another dimension to her Universiade experience. "Volunteering at the previous Universiade in my hometown, Belgrade, was an unforgettable experience and I am beyond thrilled to be getting the chance to be a part of another one, and as a sports journalist no less!"

"I am so excited to get this opportunity to attend the 'Young Sport Journalist Seminar' during the 26th Universiade due August 13-24 in Shenzhen, China. I have always dreamed of getting hands on experience at a global event and this is the time and place", Usher Komugisha from Uganda expressed. "As a university student, I am going to learn from the world's best-AIPS journalists and what an experience it will be for me to improve my journalistic skills or writing, photography and the ability to work and deliver under pressure. I would like to thank FISU for this great opportunity to develop my career."

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer