The International University Sports Federation (FISU) is responsible for the organisation and governance of worldwide competitions for student-athletes between the ages of 17 and 25. It was founded in 1949 as the world governing body of national university sports organisations and currently has 174 member associations from 5 continental regions. Being the only international federation with more than 60 sports and disciplines on its competition programme, FISU stages biennial events. They include two Universiades (Winter & Summer) and 46 World University Championships. FISU permanently links the academic world with sports by hosting a number of educational events as well as conferences, forums and seminars. These events closely assist in promoting sport as one of the main components of the educational system.