Li Hao

A TOTAL of 118 countries and regions had confirmed their participation in the Shenzhen Universiade, said Huang Guoqiang, vice head of the executive office of the Universiade organizing committee.

Huang was speaking at the opening of the heads of delegations meeting Thursday.

The meeting was attended by delegations from 52 countries and regions, as well as International University Sports Federation (FISU) officials.

The organizing committee had sent invitations to university sports associations in 201 countries and regions. Of them 118 had confirmed their participation, Huang said.

Huang outlined the progress of preparations for the Games.

“We improved the functional designs of all the venues by following suggestions by FISU officials. All the new venues are due to open by the end of this month,” said Huang.

“The city government has also established a main operation center, 17 special task forces and seven working committees to ensure smooth operations,” said Huang.

There would be 24 sports in 306 events at the Shenzhen Universiade, a record number for the Games.

Between May and July, 24 trial events were scheduled, Huang said.

He also confirmed the closing ceremony will be held at Window of the World in Nanshan.

Huang said the Games flame was scheduled to be lit at Qinghua University on April 25 and the torch relay was due to start at Beijing University on May. 4.

The delegation heads will continue their inspections of venues Friday with a group discussion to follow Saturday.