On July 12, the first day of the Observer Programme took place at the Aurora Hotel in Miskolc. The Observer Programme is a series of events that will give a wider insight into the whole key information about the process of organizing the European Universities Games 2024, for future hosts and organizers. The Observer Programme will last three days, from July 12-14: it will move tomorrow to Debrecen and will be held back in Miskolc again on Sunday.

The participants in the Observer Programme of this year include representatives from the University of Salerno, the hosting city of the next EUG2026, a delegation from the Croatian Academic Sports Association, as the hosting body of the next EUG in Split in 2028, and representatives from the University of Granada as well, because of the EUG2030 recently assigned to the Spanish city. Also, a representative of the organizing committee of the next Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World Universities Games joined the program, as well as an interested Portuguese delegation coming from the University of Aveiro.

The purpose of this Observer Programme is to provide first-hand experience and opportunity to understand the scope, dimension, and complexity of the European Universities Games, to create a platform for learning, exchanging ideas and knowledge and networking with EUSA staff and different stakeholders. Some of the objectives of this program are to provide a structured tailor-made program for future organizers to observe EUG time operations in full action, to offer guided visits, briefings, and round table discussions on specific EUG topics and to support and assist observers by allowing them to meet experienced staff to learn more. This program is available for future organizers, candidate cities, European Universities Championships organizers, NUSAs, sports organisations, and other multi-sport event organizers.

The welcoming message was addressed by Adam Roczek, President of EUSA, who greeted the present representatives of the Observer Programme. He said that the games are not just about sport but it is also about building community, while inviting the future hosts to take as much knowledge and experience from this program. He also recommended that future hosts define their goals in advance so we can all put a bigger value on the long-lasting legacy of the European Universities Games, and keep developing the community and the university sports.

Likewise, Ms. Agnes Ancic Valkai, FISU Executive Committee Member and Director of International Relations of the Hungarian University Sports Federation (MEFS), extended a warm welcome to all the participants and observers, underlining the importance of the precious legacy that the EUG organization can bring to student communities.

The introduction of the program was presented by Ms Nataša Jankovic, as the lead moderator of the Observer Programme. She explained the overview of the general program and invited the participants to introduce themselves. The program was then followed by presentations on different topics connected to the Observer Programme and organizational matters of European Universities Games, one of the biggest sports events organized in Europe.

First to have the floor was Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General of EUSA, who addressed all participants with an inspiring presentation about the history of EUSA and the philosophy driving the organization of its sports events, joint projects and publications. He referred to past experiences and knowledge gained from organizing the past 6 editions of the European Universities Games and many more European Universities sports events. He also pointed out that collaboration, good work, mutual communication and keeping the legacy of the Games are very important things to focus on, to build bigger and better European Universities Games in the future.

From EUSA’s side, Sports Manager Miha Zvan provided participants with technical information regarding the lifecycle of organizing an EUSA sports event. He illustrated the timeline of the bidding procedure, providing useful details regarding all the different stages of the process, from its opening 5 years before the event to the preparation of all the planning documents needed according to the EUSA EUG bidding book guidelines. Mr Zvan also explained the role of the EUSA Technical and Evaluation Commissions, providing examples and details from the previous attributions, and giving additional details about all the financial aspects of the process. The observers were then informed about EUSA minimum organizational requirements on the standards to be followed regarding accommodation, catering, transportation, medical assistance, sports venues, and all the basic aspects connected to the sports competitions and the logistics of athletes and officials during the EUG. Useful insights regarding rules and regulations referring to all technical aspects of the sports competitions were provided, as defined according to EUSA Operational documents

Representatives from the EUG2024 OC, Mr Laszlo Vegh, Mr Mate Nagyistok and Gyorgy Kovacs had a presentation illustrating some of the key aspects related to the experience of the process of organizing this year’s edition of the Games in Debrecen-Miskolc. They provided details related to the various roles and functional areas of the organization, the accreditation process, financial matters, transportation and accommodation issues, safety measures, as well as facilities and sports venue management.

The first meeting of the Observer program was the occasion for participants to meet and get to know each other and share their first impressions about the organization of the EUG. Many issues were raised during the discussion and precious information based on past and ongoing experiences was shared among everyone. The presentations were also accompanied by a session of Q&A and an open conversation, in which local organizers and speakers joined by EUSA Sports Coordinator Ms Eszter Gulyas had the possibility to answer all the observers' questions.

The morning program was then followed in the afternoon by a collective guided tour of the sports venues and competitions currently taking place in Miskolc, including Judo, Kickboxing, Volleyball and Chess. The observers had thus the opportunity to get a first approach to the involving atmosphere of the EUG2024 in Miskolc, also taking part in the Opening Ceremony in the evening before moving to Debrecen for the second day of the programme.

For all information about the 2024 European Universities Games in Debrecen-Miskolc, Hungary, please visit the official website: www.eug2024.eu