The 9th European Universities Futsal Championship has officially started. On July 21st, a very colourful and charming ceremony was held at 9:00 PM at the Technified Athletics Sports Centre of Antequera, in which the values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, collaboration and competitiveness were stressed by the authorities belonging to the Organising Committee of the Championship.

Among the authorities were Mr Wolf Frühauf, Honorary Member and representative of EUSA, Mr Pedro Montiel Gámez, OC President, the Mayor of Antequera Mr Manuel Barón, the Antequera City Education and Sports Councillor Mr Alberto Vallespín López, member of Parliament Mr Ángel González, Provincial Deputy Mr Jacobo Florido, the President of the Spanish Futsal League Mr Javier Lozano, the Rector of the University of Málaga Mrs Adelaida de la Calle, the Spanish Royal Football Federation Representative Mr Miguel Sarria and Mr José Luis Ruíz Espejo representing the regional government in Andalusia, La Junta de Andalucía.

EUSA EC Delegate Mr. Wolf Fraühauf welcomed all participants and wished all the teams and participants who came to test their skills and abilities great competitions and all the best. He also thanked the Organizing Committee for all their contributions. In regards to the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Frühauf mentioned that “it was marvellous, with so many young people here” and that “the University of Málaga is a model for EUSA because here Futsal is played at a very high level”.

Mrs Adelaida de la Calle feels “really proud of the people working for University sports in Málaga” and mentions that “as a public University, we have to work together with the private sector, as it is a relationship that benefits us both greatly”. Her speech was very well received among the public. Mr Manuel Barón addressed the athletes themselves, and told them that “you should enjoy the Championship in the spirit of fair play and hold high the values of your Universities. And of course, take this chance to enjoy the city itself with its mixture of civilizations which conflux on our historical city of Antequera”.

Finally, after the inspiring speeches given by the authorities, there was a heart-warming chorus that sang “Gaudeamus Igitur” followed by a pair of young promising players from Antequera, Rocío Sánchez and Elena Garrido, who interpreted various famous themes such as “Wheels of Fire” and “Ode to Joy”.

The Championship is taking place between July 21st and 28th in Antequera, Malaga. EUSA is represented by Mr Wolf Fraühauf and Mr Patrik Perosa as Sports Manager, with the Technical Delegates Mr Tomasz Aftanski and Mr Marko Brcic. They will make sure that the event will run smoothly and without problems. The Competition is hosting 23 men teams and 11 women teams from as many as 31 Universities from 19 countries. 

The title of European Universities Champion is defended by the University of Valencia (Spain) in men’s and The State School of Higher Proffesional Education in Konin (Poland) in women’s. More info can be found at www.futsal2013.eusa.eu, EUC Futsal 2013 on Facebook and @EUCFutsal2013 on Twitter.