The last preparation phase for the biggest multi-sport event in the history of Croatia was symbolically marked on February 21 in Zagreb and Rijeka by revealing the countdown clocks for the beginning of the European Universities Games 2016 (EUG 2016).

The ceremonies started at the same time in Zagreb and Rijeka. From last week, Ban Jelacic Square in Zagreb and the Korzo promenade in Rijeka are exhibiting new impressive installations, reminding all citizens that the Games are getting closer. There are less than 5 months until the opening of the Games and the preparations are in full swing. This great two-week event will bring together more than 5,000 participants from all over Europe.



The Minister of Science, Education and Sports Predrag Sustar, Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandic, the Rector of the University of Zagreb Damir Boras, the Presidental envoy Tomislav Madzar and President of the European Universities Games 2016 Zrinko Custonja held short welcome speeches and introduced the Games to the gathered citizens. With the help of the volunteers, the countdown clocks started in Zagreb. At the same time, the Mayor of Rijeka Vojko Obersnel, the Vice-Rector of the University of Rijeka Snjezana Prijic Samardzija and the Vice-President of the European Universities Games 2016 Haris Pavletic started the countdown clock in Rijeka.



The official mascot of EUG 2016, hamster Hrki, had the indispensable role in raising the atmosphere with the help of many student volunteers who turned the square and promenade into a big sports ground. In fact, the presented sports are just part of 21 different sports to be held at the Games that will be opened on July 13 2016.



The countdown clocks represent the logo of the Games, as well as the slogan “Heart believes – mind achieves”. The structures are becoming attractions of the two host cities and will be reminders of this outstanding sports event.



Under this occasion, the organizers also invited all interested citizens to get involved in the successful implementation of the Games and pointed out that the registrations for volunteering are still open until April 1. There is still room for new registrations as up to two thousand volunteers will be recruited. Application forms and additional information can be found at http://eug2016.com/volunteer/.