North Carolina State University Athletics
Helenius to Play with Finland National Team
7/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
July 20, 2005
RALEIGH, N.C. - Former Wolfpack forward Anna Helenius has been invited to compete with the Finland women's soccer team in the 23rd Universiade Games in Izmir, Turkey, Aug. 10-Aug. 21, 2005. Helenius is one of 20 players named to the squad. The word "Universiade" comes from "university" and "Olympiad", and means Olympic games for students. The Universiade is an international sporting and cultural festival, which is staged every two years in a different city and which is second in importance only to the Olympic Games. Helenius tallied seven goals and 10 assists in her two years with the Wolfpack.
"I'm excited to be a part of something as special as the Universiade, said Helenius. "I've never played for Finland at such an elite level. It is an opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world and I am looking forward to the competition."
Helenius began training with the Finnish Premier League at age 15 and was a member of the Finland U21 National Pool team in 2002. She helped her FPL team to a silver medal in 2000 and a bronze in 1999.
Football (American Soccer) is one of 14 sports set to compete in 2005. Below is the complete list. Helenius' team must finish first or second in its pool to advance into tournament play, beginning with the quarterfinals on Aug. 16. Semifinals will take place on Aug. 18 and finals on Aug. 20. Joining Finland in Pool C are China, Brazil and South Africa. In Pool A, host Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Ireland and New Zealand will compete and Pool B will showcase Japan, France, Canada and Czech Republic.
Sports Branches of Universiade 2005
1- Athletics
2- Basketball
3- Volleyball
4- Soccer
5- Water Polo
6- Fencing
7- Diving
8- Swimming
9- Tennis
10- Gymnastics
11- Sailing
12- Wrestling
13- Taekwondo
14- Archery
The Universiade Games is anticipating around 9,000 athletes from 170 countries to participate.
The city of Izmir is getting prepared to host nearly 40,000 guests, among which are technical delegations, athletes, friends and spectators.
For more information about the games visit: Universiade Information
