The 9th edition of the EUSA Table Tennis Championships officially kicked off on July 15 following the Opening Ceremony which took place at the Auditorium Benedetto XIII in Camerino, Italy.

The ceremony was attended by EUSA Delegate Mr Andrzej Hrehorowicz, Mayor of the City of Camerino Mr Sandro Sborgia, OC president Mr Stefano Belardinelli and Rector of the University of Camerino Mr Claudio Pettinari. A special guest in attendance for the opening was Ms Valentina Vezzali, Italy’s famous Fencing Olympic athlete.

Mr Belardinelli greeted the participants on behalf of the Organising Committee, welcoming all in attendance to the event. 

“First of all I greet athletes, officials, referees and all authorities here who are listed by Marco Moscatelli and Giorgia Silvestri,” he said. “I greet and thank in particular Professor Andrzej Hrehorowicz, Vice Chair of the EUSA Technical Commission; Mr Matije Krnc - Table Tennis Technical Delegate and Ms Ekaterina Ovsiannikova, Deputy Technical Delegate for Table Tennis.”



He also thanked the University of Camerino for hosting this year’s championship. 

“All this is possible thanks to the University of Camerino and I personally thank the Rector, Professor Claudio Pettinari who encourages us to always do better.”

Mr Belardinelli concluded his speech by thanking the Mayor of Camerino and wishing luck to all the participants. 

“I also thank the Marce Region and its Presiddent Mr Luca Ceriscioli and the Erdis Body for the catering and accommodation, and in particular the Mayor of Camerino Mr Sandro Sborgia. In addition I thank the police and other associations that also helped us. Lastly, I want to say: Let’s go Camerino, let’s go EUSA. It will be a great European University Table Tennis Championship. Good luck to all athletes!”



The Opening Ceremony was a lively affair which included historical music entertainment by the Association Corsa alla Spada e Palio di Camerino. The traditional march pass of the participating teams was accompanied by the town band, which was then followed by a delicious dinner.



This year’s European Universities Table Tennis Championships will take place from July 15-20, with 20 male teams and 11 female teams representing 31 Universities from 15 countries taking part.