World Student Games research guide

In 1991, Sheffield hosted the Universiade, otherwise known as the World Student Games. The Universiade (the word is made up of University and Olympiad) is a sporting event for students in higher education.

New venues were built to stage the Games - the main site was the Don Valley Stadium (a multi-purpose 25,000 seat stadium).

The Ponds Forge Swimming Pool and the Sheffield Arena (with 10,000 seats and exhibition centre) were also built. The Lyceum Theatre was renovated as part of the cultural element of the bid.

Over 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations took part in the Games which ran from 14 - 25 July 1991.

Despite financial controversy, the Games left the city with outstanding sporting facilities and a sporting culture which saw continuing investment and developments such as the English Institute of Sport, a Sport England-Lottery funded initiative (2003).

For more information, download our World Student Games study guide.

Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk to find out more, book in advance or order archival materials.