“We are very excited to join FISU Oceania as well as the overall FISU program,” said UOG Athletics Director Doug Palmer. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to compete internationally and hopefully host FISU events at the UOG Calvo Field House.” 

Membership with FISU Oceania will give UOG students, sports officials, and coaches the opportunity to participate in international sporting opportunities, including the FISU World University Games. The university also plans to take part in the UNESCO-declared International Day of University Sport, which takes place every Sept. 20 with the focus of creating links between universities and their local communities related to sports, physical activity, and healthy living. 

The membership will also provide training and education opportunities in sports event management for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, such as through the annual FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy and the Healthy Campus Program. 

FISU Oceania President David Schmude said the organization is pleased to connect with the University of Guam. 

“We look forward to working with Athletics Director Doug Palmer and his team at the university to provide these opportunities and help them achieve their sporting goals as we move towards 2022/2023,” he said. 

The University of Guam will be a probationary member in 2022 and will become a full member in 2023. Organizations in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Marshall Islands are also members of FISU Oceania.