The 6th Norwegian University Games were held in Bergen 10th – 14th of October. Over 1500 athletes contributed in making this the best university sports event in Norway during 2012. The games opened with a blast. Cultural events together with an amazing firework show kickstarted five days of sports and social happenings. 

 

Friday night the information officer at Bergen Challenge announced with great enthusiasm that they had accredited all participants, which had the opportunity to compete in 14 different sports: futsal, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, handball, badminton, fencing, lacrosse, chess, half marathon, uphill running, floorball, tennis and squash. Ladies lacrosse was actually the first national tournament in Norway ever. The winners of the futsal tournament, the Norwegian School of Economics Sports Team, is eager to start preparations for EUC– they are definitely going to Malaga next year.

 

Saturday, the day most of the finals were held, was a hectic affair for those who wanted to be a part of all the fun as either an athlete, supporter or cheerleader; 25 finals were held and over 510 medals and eight trophies were handed out. Jewel in the crown was the Norwegian School of Economics Sports Team as they had a clear victory in the total of medals that were handed out. They were awarded the prize for the best University during the gala Saturday night. 

 

Alongside the competitions were also lots of activities near by the lake in the beautiful city of Bergen the last two days. Children could experience sports for the disabled and enjoy the weather while participating in various childish activities. 

 

During the games there were an official visit from the stab of Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games, represented by Magne Vikøren and Kristin Nilseng. The Norwegian Association of University Sports was earlier this year involved in the preparation for the Youth Olympic Games, as our board member Line Eskerud was elected to the steering committee of YOG 2016. The stab of YOG 2016 is eager to learn more about the volunteer work and how students manage to host such big events. They were truly inspired by the hard working students and are convinced that they can do the same in Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games. 

 

University Games Bergen Challenge 2012 went smoothly from day one thanks to the enormous will of volunteering, over 350 contributors helped out, and we are now very excited and are looking forward to the University Games 2013 in Trondheim in February. Good luck next year to the technical committee of the University Sports Club at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, they have now been handed over a great responsibility and it is their turn to host the largest university sports festival in Norway!