The European University Games, jointly organised by the cities of Debrecen and Miskolc, the University of Debrecen and the University of Miskolc, are only a few weeks away. A technical delegation from the European University Sports Confederation visited Debrecen at the beginning of April to see the preparations in person and to make sure that the preparation of the facilities is progressing at the best possible pace.
Around 5,000 athletes from almost 400 universities in almost 40 countries are expected to come to Debrecen and Miskolc in July for the major multi-sport event, which will be held in 17 sports. The EUG organising committee is constantly working to ensure that everything is in order at the end of July, so in addition to complying with international rules, safe implementation is a priority. To this end, they have met with local security and authorities to discuss the most important remaining tasks. It was said at the meeting that the aim is to ensure that the competitions held at the Debrecen venues are memorable for the participating athletes and fans, and that everyone can compete for success without any problems.
- This is more than a sporting event. It is a major inter-university event of international importance, where young people can compete in a noble competition and promote the University of Debrecen and the city. Hundreds of athletes and their companions are coming to Debrecen, so special care will be taken to ensure that they feel safe and can compete and cheer in a good atmosphere. The event is also a central event for the foundation that manages it, and in the future the University of Debrecen should participate in more similar events. GTIDEA and all university citizens take great pride in the fact that our institution is one of the hosts of this sporting event," said György Kossa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the University of Debrecen.
Zoltán Bács, Chancellor of the University of Debrecen, also believes that the EUG is an important milestone in the life of the University of Debrecen, an event of historic proportions, and as a good host, the institution takes its role seriously.
- We are preparing hard for the opening. Wewant to put our best foot forward and hope that all participants will be fully satisfied. This multi-sport event is the highest possible level of world competition that a university can host, and is therefore of historic importance for our institution. We have a great responsibility, but we will strive to meet the standards and expectations in the best possible way for the benefit of the event. We expect the 2024 EUG to be a success and in this spirit, UD's foreign student base will be further strengthened," the Chancellor added.
László Balogh, Director of the Sports Science Coordination Institute of the University of Debrecen, told hirek.unideb.hu that they want to organise the best EUG ever.
In many areas, the University of Debrecen performs at an international elite level, and we want to maintain the same level in the organisation of the multisport event. We are on schedule with the tasks, the final number of participants will emerge in the next few days, but we can already see that over three thousand delegates from forty European countries will arrive in Debrecen. As this is a competition between universities, not nations, we can reasonably expect students from all over the world, which will require even more attention in terms of organisation. Our cooperation with the city and the local authorities is exemplary," the director stressed.
The local organising committee of the European University Games is still looking for volunteers to help organise the EUG competitions in Debrecen. National and international volunteer helpers have until the end of April to register on the official EUG2024 website.
On behalf of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), the Hungarian University and College Sports Association (MEFS), the University of Debrecen, the University of Miskolc, the National Event Management Agency (NMA), the City of Debrecen and the City of Miskolc are organising the European University Games between 12-24 July.
Press Centre - BZ
