POTSDAM — Downtown Potsdam was full of energy and excitement on Friday, Dec. 10 as both FISU Games Mac the Moose, and Clarkson University’s Golden Knight mascots hung out, walked around downtown, and met with local business owners about the upcoming 2023 FISU World University Games.

The adventures of both mascots appealed to not only the business owners, but to travelers passing through Potsdam and locals enjoying shopping that day. Dozens of individuals stopped for pictures of and with the mascots, said a press release from the chamber.

Having the FISU Games taking part in both Potsdam and Canton will allow for countless tourists and athletes a chance to see what our area has to offer, the chamber said.

Clarkson University, along with SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton, will play host to several ice hockey events during the World University Games, the first game taking place on Jan. 11 at Cheel Arena.

To purchase tickets for more information about the FISU games, visit https://www.lakeplacid2023.com/ .

The Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games are expected to bring together 1,500 collegiate athletes, ages 17-25, from 600 universities in 50 countries to participate in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, curling, freestyle and freeski, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, snowboarding, ski jumping and speed skating.

A total of 86 events in 12 winter sports make up the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games, taking place Jan. 11-22.