European University Sports Association: 1999-2019 - Inspiring new generations of champions for two decades

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EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES GAMES

COIMBRA, PORTUGAL:

JULY 15–28, 2018

The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the

world included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was

for two weeks the home of university sport in Europe.

A total of 4027 participants, composing
506 teams representing 291 universities
from 38 countries, competed in Coimbra in
13 sports while also attending educational
and social events.

The opening ceremony was held in the
courtyard of the University of Coimbra in
the presence of the highest authorities of
the Republic of Portugal, City of Coimbra
and EUSA, as well as the European Com-
mission and other organisations and insti-
tutions. The event was officially opened by
the President of the Republic of Portugal
Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Souza who wel-
comed the participants as ambassadors of
academic culture and Olympic values.

The Organising Committee, led by Mr Joao
Gabriel Silva, cooperated closely with the
University of Coimbra, Municipality of

Coimbra, Portuguese University Sports

Association (FADU) and Academic Asso-

ciation of Coimbra (Academica), with the

support of governmental authorities and

Portuguese sport federations.

The European Universities Games in Coim-

bra featured competitions in 13 sports:

Badminton, Basketball, 3x3 Basketball,

Canoe Sprint, Football, Futsal, Handball,

Judo, Rowing, Rugby 7s, Table Tennis &

Para Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.

Rowing again took the lead in terms of

the number of participants (525), followed

closely by Football and Futsal, reaching

close to the 500 mark each.

Strong emphasis was given to participa-

tion to as wide a range of student athletes

as possible, representing their universities

from all over Europe, including students

and volunteers with disabilities, working

on gender equality and providing events

in a safe environment, promoting fair play

and university sport values.

The event also included social, cultural

and educational programmes and activi-

ties. The Rectors’ Conference was again

held during the Games, entitled “Organisa-

tion and Management Model of University

Sport”. European Rectors and guests of

the conference had a chance to take part

in round table discussions on promoting

dual career and on constraints and solu-

tions to achieve a sustainable model of

university sport.

As part of the legacy of the Games, major

reconstruction work was conducted on

the university sports centre in Coimbra,

benefitting students for years to come.

EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS ASSOCIATION, 1999-2019^140140