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	July 14
Closing ceremony	July 25
Officially opened by	HRH Anne, Princess Royal
Torch lighter	Helen Sharman
Main venue	Don Valley Stadium

Sheffield City Council saw the event as a catalyst for urban renewal after industrial decline.[1] It set up a company, Universiade GB Ltd, to run the games.[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] 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] The opening ceremony attracted publicity when Helen Sharman, Britain's first astronaut, tripped and dropped the games torch. The flames were finally lit by the ignitor in the flame bowl itself as the torch had gone completely out.[1]