The University of Valencia has proposed to the European University Sports Association (EUSA) the inclusion of orienteering in the program of European Universities Championships in the future. The International Orienteering Open, held in Valencia during the last weekend, was the first occasion to discuss the details on proposal between the representatives of the University of Valencia and EUSA.

On Friday, April 24, 2015 Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General, met with Mr José Campos, Head of Sports Service at the University of Valencia. Mr Campos presented to EUSA Secretary General the details on the proposal, starting from the commitment of the University of Valencia, supported by CEDU, City and Spanish Orienteering Federation to organise this event in 2017.



The University of Valencia has a strong tradition of organising and participating on the World and European Universities Championships.  EUC Beach Volleyball in 2007 and EUSA General Assembly in 2006 were organised in Valencia, while its university teams regularly participate on EUSA Championships and Games. After the meeting, the Head of Sports Service also presented to Mr Pecovnik the sports facilities at the University of Valencia.



From April 25-26, 2015 the International Orienteering Open was held in the City of Titaguas in the region of Valencia. The event, organised in close cooperation with the University of Valencia, attracted over 600 participants. The Orienteering Open started on Saturday with the long-distance race, followed by the Trail-O (trail orienteering) and Sprint, while the middle distance race took place the day after.



Mr Pecovnik had an opportunity to observe the organisation of the event and has, together with the Mayor of Titaguas Mr Ramiro Rivera Gracia, representatives of the University of Valencia and the Spanish Orienteering Federation, made a visit to the competition area.

The proposal on the eventual inclusion of the sport on EUSA program will be now evaluated by the EUSA office and Technical Commission and later on presented to the Executive Committee Members.