The day before the official opening of the European Universities Games Zagreb-Rijeka 2016, saw not only the first competitions and the first medal awarding ceremonies, but also the start of the Rector’s Conference, as well as special receptions with the highest authorities in Croatia.

Croatian Prime Minister Mr Tihomir Orešković, received the delegation of the Games with the president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Mr Oleg Matytsin, the President and Secretary General of the European University Association (EUSA) Mr Adam Roczek and Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, the President of the Croatian Academic Sports Association (HASS) and the European Universities Games Zagreb-Rijeka 2016 (EUG2016) Mr Zrinko Custonja, and other VIP guests.



A special reception was also organised for representatives of athletes, competitors and the sport associations of academic sport by the Croatian President Mrs Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. Wishing the athletes much success and a pleasant and unforgettable stay, Croatian President said that sport venues have always been sites where not just sport rivalry took place, but also new friendships were made and prejudices were overcome. ‘Simply said, sport brings us together and makes us better’, she emphasized.



Thanking everybody on their hard work and effort in the organization of the Games, the Croatian President expressed her belief that people of Zagreb and Rijeka will be good hosts and root wholeheartedly for everybody. ‘Sport connects people! Let’s show our unity during the Games, through a healthy sport rivalry’, said President Grabar-Kitarović.



Basketball, Chess, Karate, Rowing and Rugby 7s started today in Zagreb, as well as Water Polo in Rijeka. It was not long before the first medals were awarded. Around lunch time the first medals were awarded to the individuals and teams winners of the Karate Kata competition.



In the heat of the afternoon, on the main campus, visitors had the chance to witness the diversity of University Sport, jumping from the loud and hectic atmosphere of the Karate competition to the much more quiet but no less intense chess venue. The bravest ones who reached the rowing course at Lake Jarun in the afternoon sun weren’t disappointed. In all categories, races were hard fought and the finals look very promising.



In Rijeka the Water Polo started at the Kantrida Swimming Pool Complex, and a special Rector's conference is also taking part during the EUG2016 in Opatija and at the University of Rijeka.



European Universities Games are one of the biggest sports events ever held in Croatia. The Games are being held from July 12 to July 25 in Zagreb and Rijeka. Over 5000 students from over 40 European countries and over 400 universities will compete in 21 sports. Although the competitions start today, the official opening ceremony will be held tomorrow at the Athletics Stadium of Mladost Sports Park.

Please see www.eug2016.com for details.