The 2nd European Universities Games Rotterdam 2014 also officially opened today with a dynamic Opening Ceremony, which was held at the Woudestein Excelsior Stadium. The event which includes competitions in 10 sports also combines the educational, cultural and social parts, bringing together over 2900 participants from 35 countries, representing over 180 universities in Europe.

Before the start of the Opening Ceremony, the organising Committee held a special reception at the Stadium to which all the guests and partners were invited. At this occasion, EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek presented an award to Mr Daniel Sikkens, thanking him and the Organising Committee for the long-term work and preparations for the event.

A special award was also given to the Organisers and also to the Students Sports Association the Netherlands (SSN) by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for the recognition of their work.

The Opening Ceremony started with the march-pass of the participants, in alphabetical order of the countries and universities. Netherlands and the home team – Erasmus University Rotterdam entered the stadium last, receiving strong support from the audience and other participants.

The host of the evening was Ms Fatima Moreira de Melo, former Dutch field hockey player and Olympic medallist. The participants paid tribute to the recent airplane tragedies with a minute of silence before the Dutch anthem and raising of the national flag.

Speakers at the opening ceremony were Mr Giovanni van Bronckhorst, famous footballer and former captain of the Dutch national team, as the ambassador of the Games; the Major of Rotterdam Mr Ahmed Aboutaleb; Chairman of the Organising Committee Mr Daniel Sikkens; EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek and the Vice-President of the Erasmus University Mr Bart Straatman who also declared the Games open.

After the arrival of the EUSA flag, Gaudeamus Igitur, EUSA and the international university anthem was played, followed by the oath of the representative of the athletes and referees. The cultural programme followed, starting with the “Bring it on” song, which was written and performed by the band Head First especially for the European Universities Games – EUGames 2014. National and European marching-band champions performed an impressive routine on the field and the programme ended with a famous DJ Lucien Foort.

European Universities Games are held under the auspices of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), supported by the City of Rotterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus TopSport, and other partners, and are co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. Support of the Games was given also by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
 

The event takes place between July 24 and August 8 in Rotterdam; for more information, please see the official website www.eugames2014.eu, special mobile application and follow EUSA and EUGames2014 social media channels!