European Universities Games 2022 are officially open!
The third largest city in Poland and a former industrial centre, the city of Lodz, in the next 13 days will be the hosting place of the biggest university sport event in Europe. Official opening ceremony was held at the Atlas Arena with the presence of the representatives of the highest authorities representing the host country, the University of Technology of Lodz, University of Lodz, City of Lodz, European University Sports Association (EUSA), VIPs, Officials, athletes, and citizens of Lodz. 

In the beginning of the Opening Ceremony, the march pass with the athletes and officials present took part. EUGenio, the games mascot opened the door and let in athletes from the participating countries. Around 2000 athletes and officials were part of the march, presenting proudly their universities on the European Universities Games 2022.

The march pass was followed by the Polish anthem and the hoist of the Polish flag, done by the ambassadors of EUG 2022.

Athletes, official, volunteers and invited guests were welcomed first by the Government representative deputy voivode Mr Karol Młynarczyk, who read the letter of the prime minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki. He first wished the athletes the best of luck, an unflagging fighting spirit and for them to enjoy the games. By participating in these relatively young games, athletes contribute to the idea of integrating academic youth from Europe around olympic values. May the sport spirit, the pursuit of excellence, friendly competition, respect and fair play, accompany participants and spectators of the competitions. 

“Welcome to the friendly and hospitable city of Lodz, city with great passion for sports. There were plenty of challenges organising this event. We responded to them in the best possible ways. We did our best to make sure that Ukraine participates in these games, along with participants from other European countries. Thank you to all that contributed to the organisation of EUG; the city of Lodz, AZS, and the University of Lodz, the Minister of education and science, thanks to EUSA for support and ongoing cooperation, to the staff involved in the organisation of EUG, today's celebration is thanks to you. Dear athletes, I congratulate you on being here, and wish you a safe competition, fair play, and success in the games. Welcome to Lodz,” said Mr Krzysztof Jóźwik, rector of Lodz University of Technology. 

He was followed by Adam Pustelnik, deputy mayor of the city of Lodz:
“Welcome to Lodz, city of friendship, youth, diversity and tolerance. The city loved the idea of organising EUG. in the past we hosted the world cup and numerous other events, but preparing all of this was still a challenge. Thanks to all the people that worked on the games. I strongly encourage everyone to visit the city, to experience the most unique places, and the most genuine identity. This city was built on energy and enthusiasm of people. The next two weeks of sports competitions will be a good time for the entire EUG community. I hope you enjoy, play fair and have fun. Have a wonderful two weeks in Lodz.”

Akademicki Zwiazek Sportowy (AZS) representative Mr Alojzy Nowak also warmly welcomed all the athletes and teams to Lodz, to Poland, and wished everyone to have fun in the upcoming two weeks. He extended his thanks to the organisers, the city of Lodz, the rector, and EUSA for their efforts.

EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek greeted everybody, representatives, athletes and officials, among which were the FISU Acting President, Mr Leonz Eder and FISU Vice President Mr Marian Dymalski. Mr Adam Roczek said: “It was a dream to bring the games to Poland, it has taken hard work and time, but we can proudly say: welcome to EUG Lodz 2022! Thank you, City of Lodz, Mr Krzysztof Jóźwik, rector of the University of Lodz, AZS representative Mr Alojze Nowak and many others. Thanks to the ones that made it possible for Ukrainian athletes to participate and to special thanks to volunteers for the work and their generous time. "Dear students, you are in the heart of the games, your games, games of equal opportunities, play fair, compete in the right way, be champions in and out of the field. There is unity in diversity.  Enjoy your time and good luck to everyone.” - said Mr. Roczek. 

He then invited Mr Krzysztof Jóźwik to cut the ribbon and so he declared the games open!

After the official opening of the Games, the representative of the athletes, Mr Marcel Wągrowski, read the oath of athletes, and the representative of the referees, Ms Larisa Eleni Avramidou, read the referees’ oath.

After the reading of the oaths, the moderators congratulated the volunteers for their great work and invited them to hoist the EUSA flag. 

The program of the Opening Ceremony was then continued by a wonderful performance by CoOperate Orchestra under the baton of Adam Domurat, the Adam Mickiewicz University Academic Choir and performances by Krzysztof Iwaneczko, Daniela Moszczyńskiego and Beaty Bielskiej. 

Athletes and officials representing 441 universities from 37 countries, forming a total number of 4800 participants, are taking part in the European Universities Games 2022 in Lodz, Poland.

The European Universities Games in Lodz are being organised under the licence of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) by the Lodz University of Technology, University Sports Association of Poland (AZS) and City of Lodz, in cooperation with the EUSA Institute and several partners, inlcuding the Ministry of Education and Science, national and local tourism organisations, Polish Olympic Committee, national and local sports organisation, media outlets and is also supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. To (re)watch the full Opening Ceremony, please see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2qMpPXdt_c

For more information, please see www.eug2022.eu