2008 WUC Wrestling: Opening Ceremony
July 10th, 2008
Stavros Douvis
Yesterday, July 9th, the Opening Ceremony of the 8th World University Wrestling Championship 2008, hosted in Thessaloniki, Greece, took place at 07:30 pm in the Alexandrio Melathro palace sport. The 8th World University Wrestling Championship 2008 is organized by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki which is the largest university in Greece. The Opening Ceremony took place in the presence of Mr Eric Saintrond, Secretary- General of FISU; Mr Stavros Douvis, Secretary-General of Sport of Greece, Representative of the Greek Government and FISU Assessor; Prof. Anastasios Manthos, President of the Organising Committee and Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Mr Stavros Douvis officialy opened the 8th World University Wrestling Championship. After the protocol part of the Opening Ceremony, a cultural program followed with traditional Greek music and dance from the regions of Makedonia and Thrace.
Prof. Anastasios Manthos
Extract of the speech of Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Anastasios Manthos: “It is of utmost pleasure, gratification, and sense of fulfilling, that the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, along with the people of Thessaloniki city, the capital of Makedonia province of Greece, welcome you all. Wrestling, was a major sport in the Olympic games of ancient Greece. Famous wrestler along the centuries was Milon, from the city of Croton, of Magna Grecia, who was an Olympic champion for 6 consecutive times, from 532 until 516 BC. Famous ancient wrestler and many times Olympic winner, was also Theagenis, from the nearby located island of Thassos, of the Makethonia province. Healthy mind, in a healthy body. This is the proverb that comes from our past, indicative of the reality. This a saying that completely corresponds to you, as students, workers of the mind, as well as wrestlers. Wrestling, besides physical effort, comprises respect for the antagonist, esteem for the struggle, and admiration for the striving wrestler. It needs a great effort, not only to overpass one’s self, but also to go over the abilities of another person. This intimacy in the fight, makes the sport unique, and fascinating, in all respects. We wish to you a successful participation and an enjoyable attendance of the 8th World University Championship Wrestling games, as well as a very pleasant residence. May the traditional and of divine aura Hellenic hospitality find its way, and be experienced by all of you."
Eric Saintrond
Extract of the speech of Secretary General of FISU, Eric Saintrond: “On behalf of the International University Sports Federation, I would like to welcome you to the 8th World University Wrestling Championship. FISU is proud and honoured to be a guest of the city of Thessaloniki, a city famous fot its high values in culture, sports and higher education. Wrestling is the most ancient sport known and its history has always been linked to the history of Greece. In the mythology and the literature of Ancient Greece, wrestling played a major role and the wrestling competitions were the most important events in the Olympic Games. Today, students from 26 countries have gathered in Thessaloniki to partecipate in the 8th World University Wrestling Championship 2008. During 5 days, male and female student–athletes will compete under the FISU emblem and in the spirit well defined by its motto: “Excellence in Mind and Body”. Dear students representing the world, you are our future and our hope; a hope to live in a world of peace and friendship; a hope that tomorrow, globalization will also mean unity and fraternity."
A day before, July 8th a Seminar about “Sports and Medicine” took place in the Official Hotel of the Games for officials, referees and student-athletes. The high level Seminar was organized by the Medical School and the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
