The Opening Ceremony of the 14th European Universities Basketball Championship took place on July 16 at the Szent Istvan square in Miskolc, Hungary. The Ceremony was attended by participants, citizens, as well as several VIPs, among them the Mayor of Miskolc Mr Akos Kriza, Chancellor of the University of Miskolc Mr Csaba Deak, Secretary General of the Hungarian University Sports Federation Mr Mozes Szekely, Executive Committee Member of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Mr Bill Thompson and others.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, the participants were welcomed by Mr Deak, chancellor of the University of Miskolc. He pointed out one of the legacies of the event – renovation of a sports venue where the women’s competition will be held, and stressed the importance of university sport.



The Mayor of Miskolc Mr Kriza welcomed the participants at the beautiful Szent Istvan square in clear, sunny weather.



He emphasized that sport is a huge part of the city’s culture, and highlighted that its sights are worth to discover.



EUSA Executive Committee member Mr Thompson welcomed everyone and wished 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.



The Opening Ceremony, which was broadcast live and available online, ended with the spectacular show of the high flying Fly Addiction Team, who brought magical spirit to the Szent István square.



The competition is organized by the Hungarian University Sports Federation (HUSF/MEFS) and the University of Miskolc with contribution of the Hungarian Basketball Federation and Miskolc Municipality. The Hungarian University Sports Federation already organised the European Universities Championships in Karate and Rugby 7s, and University of Miskolc hosted the World University Orienteering Championship with great success.



The European Universities Basketball Championship is taking place in Miskolc between July 16 and 23. EUSA is represented at the event by Mr Bill Thompson and the Technical Delegates are Mr Peter George and Mrs Pascale Weiwers. Together with the local organising committee they working hard to make best conditions for the 16 male and 12 female competing teams, representing as many as 25 universities from 16 countries.



The title of European Universities Champion is defended by Fatih University (TUR) in men’s competition and University of Zagreb (CRO) in women’s competition.



More info can be found at www.basketball2017.eusa.eu.