1991 Summer Universiade

The 1991 Summer Universiade, also known as the XVI Summer Universiade, took place in Sheffield, England. In the host country it was generally referred to as the World Student Games.

XVI Summer Universiade

Slogan : 'The Future of Sport'
Host city	Sheffield, England
Nations participating	101
Athletes participating	3,346
Events	11 sports
Opening ceremony	14 July
Closing ceremony	25 July
Officially opened by	Anne, Princess Royal
Torch lighter	Helen Sharman
Main venue	Don Valley Stadium

Sheffield City Council saw the event as a catalyst for urban renewal and regeneration after industrial decline.[1][2] It set up a company, Universiade GB Ltd, to run the games.[1]

New facilities built for the event included the centrepiece Don Valley Stadium and other arenas, while the Lyceum Theatre was renovated for the associated cultural events.[1] Lack of central government funding and television sponsorship meant the event was in doubt until the Council guaranteed the money itself, in the face of complaints from local ratepayers.[1] The city took out loans for construction costs that have been repeatedly refinanced and are not expected to be paid off until 2024.[2]

The opening ceremony included a performance honouring Sheffield's industrial heritage, with participants wearing flat caps and waistcoats and carrying hammers. Steve Backley carried the flag for the Great Britain team.[2] Helen Sharman, Britain's first astronaut, attracted publicity when she tripped and dropped the games torch, extinguishing it; the flames were lit by the ignitor in the flame bowl itself.[1]