COIMBRA, PORTUGAL – With the ushering in of the European Universities Games on the University of Coimbra campus, one of the oldest universities in the world and included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, became the home of university sport in Europe over the next two weeks.
On July 15 the event opened with the official opening ceremony, held at the University courtyard in the presence of the highest authorities of the Republic of Portugal, City of Coimbra, European University Sports Association (EUSA), International University Sports Federation (FISU), European Commission and other organisations.
Athletes, official, volunteers and invited guests were welcomed first by the host, Rector of the University of Coimbra, Mr Joao Gabriel Silva, who pointed out the legacy of the EUG 2018, especially the complete renovation of the University sports complex that will serve for decades to come.
Students play the central rolet in the cultural, educational, political and sport life in the city of Coimbra, said the AAC Academica President, Mr. Alexandro Leal Amado. He added that in Coimbra students are not only users, they are equal partners at the University and that is one of the reason why it lasts for almost seven and a half centuries. After the anthem of European students was performed by the University of Coimbra mixed choir, the Mayor of the City of Coimbra Mr Manuel Manchado took the stage, welcoming all the participants and that he is sure that the hospitality of the people of Coimbra will stay in a loving memory to all the participants and that he hopes to see them again.
President of FADU, Mr. Daniel Monteiro stated that the day of the opening of the EUG 2018 presents the start of the new chapter in the history of University sport in Portugal and that the fourth edition of European Universities Games proves the marriage of the Higher Education and the University sport in Portugal. Minister of Education of the Republic of Portugal Mr Tiago Brandao Rodrigues mentioned that the every athlete at these Games is an example that dual career athletes is possible, and that everyone with the sports in his heart should be able to strive towards academic success as well.
President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), Mr. Adam Roczek said that EUSA is proud to be in the city which is a world known symbol of University and its values, and the city which respects traditions and at the same time looks into the future. He also reminded that the Games are games of equal opportunities and that he is especially proud that also students with disabilities are with us for the second time in history.
The Opening Ceremony through the historic university was a highlight on the eve of competition for the European Universities Games in Coimbra, Portugal
The Games were officially opened by the President of the Republic of Portugal, Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Souza. He encouraged all the participants to be ambassadors of academic culture and upholders of the Olympic values.
Spectacular ceremony was concluded by video mapping presentation that represented the history of the City of Coimbra, the University of Coimbra, as well as the dual career of students in Portugal. Over 4000 participants, representing almost 300 European universities from 38 countries are competing in Coimbra in 13 sports, with the Games also including educational and social events.
The Opening Ceremony included a video projection part where the university itself played video screen
FISU President Mr. Oleg Matytsin was present at the Opening Ceremony, and also took part at the Rectors’ Conference, held a day prior to the Opening.
For more information, please see http://www.eug2018.comand http://www.eusa.eu.