Petitjean was the guiding light as Paris hosted the first World University Games from May 3 to 6 1923 under the auspices of the International Confederation of Students.

A new sports complex, the Parc des Sports de Paris Université Club, was inaugurated for an event that had long been a dream for Petitjean, who strongly believed that gathering students of the world around sports competitions would create a friendly and peaceful atmosphere.

Although the inaugural University Games included only two sports and 12 countries, the event was a success.

A total of 15,000 spectators cheered the athletes, including the famous American sprinter, Antwerp 1920 Olympics gold medallist Charley Paddock.

Petitjean planned to include women’s competitions in the programme but his request did not receive the necessary support.

From 1923 to 1939, the university sports movement experienced remarkable growth.

The World University Games were hosted in various European cities and ski resorts, with students showing not only a high level of performance but also the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

In 1938, Petitjean made decisive steps towards the creation of a new organisation, which he wanted to call Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire.

Because of the outbreak of the war, the project had to wait ten years to come into being.

After the revival of the World University Games in 1947, what emerged was the need for an autonomous and apolitical organisation which would take care of student sports on a world scale.

Several European university sports leaders immediately took the opportunity to start the negotiations and established FISU - International University Sports Federation - in the spring of 1949.

From its inception, FISU has continued to build on Petitjean’s foundation.

High-level global competition, educational opportunities, and a keen focus on dual careers for student-athletes are areas of focus today - all stronger due to FISU’s work and the legacy that began in Paris 100 years ago.