Besides a very busy competition day with table-tennis, futsal and handball matches being held in the different sport venues in Rotterdam, today was also the stage of three important events at the European Universities Games.

First, the official press conference was held in the headquarters of the Games within the Erasmus University Rotterdam.  Journalists and members of the media were welcome by representatives from the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Mr Adam Rocek as the President and Mr Matjaz Pecovnik as the Secretary General of the federation; on behalf of the Organising Committee of the EUGames 2014 Mr Daniel Sikkens as the Chairman of the Board and Mr Henk Smit as the Tournament Director. Participants were also welcomed on behalf of the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA) of the European Commission Mr Luciano Di Fonzo, as the representative body for the new Erasmus+ sports programme.



The International University Sports Federation (FISU) as the partner organisation and supporter of EUSA was represented by Mr Oleg Matytsin, 1st Vice-President of the organisation.

Representative of the European Commission, Mr Di Fonzo, mentioned that the Games were among the three European non-profit sports events to be awarded an important grant from the European Union. He added that it reflects the quality of the project as the selection process was extremely competitive. The EUGames are the first event funded under the Erasmus+ programme to be taking place.

Shortly after the conference, EUSA welcomed its guests for the official reception. Guests had the opportunity to visit the newly designed exhibition on university sport, showing past and present projects of the fast growing organisation and development of university sport in Europe. 

The reception held on the top of the highest building on the Erasmus University Campus provided a stunning view on Rotterdam. Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA president, Mr Alberto Guialtieri, EUSA Honorary President, Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General addressed the audience and thanked the organisers, partners, supporters and members for their efforts. Mr Oleg Matytsin, FISU 1st Vice President presented a special plaquette to EUSA for its constant effort in university sport development. 

The opening ceremony will be held this evening at the Excelsior Stadium, starting at 21:00 and will certainly be the peak of the day, and one of the most visible events during the European Universities Games.