Venue plaque handover at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site

A festive moment against the impressive backdrop of Essen's most famous pithead: the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site has received the official venue plaque for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. The reason: on 25 and 26 July 2025, athletes from all over the world will compete here in the competitive sport of archery.

Since the colliery was shut down in 1986, the former industrial site has developed into an international centre for art, culture, business and encounters - around 1.7 million people visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site every year. As part of the special handover, Niklas Börger, CEO Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, together with Bärbel Bergerhoff-Wodopia, member of the Executive Board of the RAG-Stiftung, which is also supporting the World Games, presented the venue plaque to Prof Dr Hans-Peter Noll, Chairman of the Zollverein Foundation, and Thomas Kufen, Lord Mayor of the City of Essen. Kim Bui, former competitive gymnast and Olympian, who is involved in Games Time at the Essen site and the World Conference, was also present. ‘The Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extraordinary location - we are delighted that the archery competitions will be held here. The combination of industrial culture and top international sport will create a very special experience for athletes and spectators alike,’ says Niklas Börger.

The RAG-Stiftung supports the world's largest multi-sport event for students as a partner.

© Rhine-Ruhr 2025/Andrea Bowinkelmann