This is Wanda - the mascot of Rhine-Ruhr 2025

The mascot of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games has been found. Wanda, the falcon, will accompany the world's largest multi-sport event next year - and already made her first public appearance at the Olympic Games in Paris, causing a sensation.

But why is Wanda actually a falcon? Quite simply, the peregrine falcon is a true cosmopolitan and at home almost anywhere in the world. This cosmopolitanism and universality are a perfect match for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, an event that brings together athletes from all over the world. At the same time, Wanda also reflects the regional connection to the Rhine-Ruhr region. Originally, the rocky landscapes of the low mountain ranges were the habitat of the peregrine falcon in North Rhine-Westphalia, but the graceful bird now mainly inhabits the industrial landscape along the Rhine and in the Ruhr region. With a speed of over 320 km/h, the peregrine falcon is also the fastest animal in the world and thus symbolises the high performance achieved at the Games.

And that almost explains the name. The focus was on the peregrine falcon. The German word for peregrine falcon is: Wanderfalke. Wander and Wanda - the same pronunciation. Wanda was therefore one of 50 names put forward by the staff of the FISU World University Games Organising Committee. Four names were shortlisted and finally presented to the community on Instagram for voting. Wanda prevailed and since then the mascot of the FISU World University Games 2025 has been proudly named Wanda.

Wanda has already been on a tour of Paris

In Paris last week, Wanda already explored the venue of the Olympic Games and has already aroused curiosity about the next big sporting event. Whether at the Eiffel Tower, at the various Olympic sites or in the German House in the presence of NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst - Wanda could be seen everywhere, soaking up the international flair of this multi-sport event and spreading anticipation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. These will take place from July 16 to 27 and will attract around 8,500 athletes and officials from 150 countries to the host cities of Bochum, Essen, Duisburg and Mülheim an der Ruhr.

During the twelve days of competition, the student athletes will not only compete for medals, but also strengthen the sense of community, promote intercultural exchange and drive innovation in the areas of sustainability and business. Wanda, the mascot, will accompany them and carry the message of cosmopolitanism, universality and top sporting performance out into the world. Wanda has already won numerous fans with her first appearance.