Winter Universiade 2015 in Slovakia

Slovakia is the second of the hosting countries of the 27th World Winter Universiade 2015. The first hosting country of the 27th World Winter Universiade 2015 is Spain – Granada, which has been selected on the basis of nominations in 2009. Unfortunately, the hosting country does not have suitable conditions to organize some of the sporting events, that is why the International University Sports Federation delegated Slovakia, through the Slovak University Sports Association, to organize competitions in Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping. Date of the competitions of the 27th Winter Universiade 2015 is set on the 24 January – 1 February 2015 at Strbske Pleso and Osrblie.

Opening of the Universiade with Slovak flag.

As a mascot for Universiade was chosen a figure of mountain goat which lives in Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain. This mountain goat can be considered to be similar to chamois - a kind of mountain goat living in the High Tatras area. So the mascot is right for both Winter Universiade countries.

Spanish name of mascot is Uggi and it was created by artist Paul Uncetabarrenechea.

Description of mascot: The mountain goat transmits values like strength, skill, balance and nobility, all linked to sport. The asymmetry for the eyes and horns to make it a friendlier creature. The chest bears the five-star logo of Granada 2015. The mascot’s name is easy to pronounce and to remember: ‘UGGI’. It’s an acronym formed by the initials of ‘Universiade’, ‘Granada’ and ‘invierno’ (Spanish for winter).