The 12th edition of the EUSA European Universities Futsal Championships officially kicked off following a spectacular Opening Ceremony in Braga, Portugal on July 16.

On Tuesday evening, all participating universities – making up 500 participants from 17 male and 11 female teams – headed to the Republic Square to commemorate the start of one of the largest tournaments organised by European Universities Sports Association (EUSA).

The efforts of the 50 members of the Organising Committee and the 150 volunteers present were well-received at the Opening Ceremony, which began with the teams gathering alphabetically under the Arch of the New Gate, a well-known monument in the city of the archbishops, for the traditional athlete’s march. At the end of the parade, the anthem of Portugal was heard loud and clear, and was met with great euphoria by all the locals present.



Shortly after the parade of the teams, Mr Nuno Reis, President of the Academic Association of the University of Minho, addressed the crowd, followed by Mr Daniel Monteiro, President of the Academic Federation of University Sports, who spoke of the importance national and European sport competitions have in the growth of young people.

Mr Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga, then conveyed his message of welcome to the athletes, before Mr Rui Vieira de Castro, Rector of the University of Minho, and Mr Hovhannes Gabrielyan, representative of the President of EUSA at EUC Futsal 2019, officially announced the start of the competition.



Adding a little fun and sports to the mix, the Opening Ceremony then continued with a performance by Club de Rope Skipping das Taipas. Characterised by constantly jumping, the performance of the dance group dazzled and enchanted all present. With "springs" on their feet, the dancers jumped to the rope and performed a number of mesmerising moves.



This was the followed by an impressive solo act by football freestyler Renato Valença, who showed off his skills using the official ball of EUC Futsal, alternating from trick to trick.



In addition to the statements of those responsible for the event, Ms Telma Pereira, captain of the Portuguese national team who participated in the Olympic Youth Games last year and female Ambassador of EUC Futsal 2019, walked to the stage to take the oath of the athletes.

“On behalf of all students I promise that we shall take part in this sporting event, based on the rules that govern it, in the true spirit of friendship, fair play and sportsmanship,” said the player from the University of Minho.



Mr Cristiano Santos, a referee with accreditation from the International Football Federation (FIFA), then also took an oath and on behalf of all referees, swore to be impartial, so as to respect all athletes and leaders of participating universities.

The EUSA flag was then hoisted with the company of the university anthem to mark the ceremonious start to the event.