In the evening of July 24, the very first European Universities Orienteering Championship 2019 in Olomouc, Czech Republic was officially declared open. 

The beautiful historical area of Korunní Pevnůstka warmly welcomed more than 250 athletes, officials, organisers and friends of academic sports, who will participate in the three-day event which runs until July 27.



Two speakers – Petr Kubásek in Czech and Jan Exner in English – led the proceedings of the Opening Ceremony, jubilantly announcing each team who proudly waved their countries’ flag along with the name of their university. Local culture was introduced by singing folklore group Kassiopea and dance folklore group Kosíř, who both delivered breathtaking performances.



During the welcoming evening, a number of speeches from representatives of different representatives of the main collaborating organisations were heard, including the Chairman of EUOC Organising Committee and founding father of the event Mr Dušan Vystavěl; IOF President Mr Leho Haldna; President of EUSA Mr Adam Roczek and Prorector of the Palacky University Olomouc Mr Vít Zouhar.



The oaths of students were made by Ms Tereza Janošíková from UP Olomouc and Mr Ondřej Vystavěl from Brno University of Technology while the officials’ and functionaries’ oaths were given by Ms Zuzana Štrajtová and Mr Jerzy Antonowicz.



The competitors will meet in Korunní pevnůstka once again on Saturday, this time for to fight for the last three sets of medals in the sprint relay.

More information about the event can be found at www.orienteering2019.eusa.eu.

All results can be viewed at www.results.eusa.eu.