George E. Killian

TAKING a sweep view of the development of cities around the world, Shenzhen could be a miracle since its foundation.

Every time when George E. Killian, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), comes to Shenzhen, he is impressed with the city’s ever increasing changes.

“I was surprised at Shenzhen’s development,” said Killian, in an interview on Shenzhen Television on the eve of the one-year countdown to the 2011 Universiade on Aug. 12.

Killian, 86, has visited Shenzhen five times since he first set foot in the city in 2006 to inspect preparations for the Universiade bid for the hosting rights which was eventually granted to the city in January 2007.

“The Universiade could be a new start for Shenzhen, which has accumulated wealth and experience through 30 years of development. I hope Shenzhen can participate or create more influential international sports games in the coming 30 years and set a good example for China’s sports,” said Killian.

“Preparations for the universiade have continued at an amazing speed with the construction of stadiums and the Metro showing Shenzhen’s strength,” Killian said.

Killian was born in Valley Stream New York in the United States. He headed the U.S. delegation to the Universiade on three occasions before being elected FISU president in November 1999.

(Han Ximin, Chen Anni)