The European Universities Games in Miskolc and Debrecen represent the largest university multi-sport event in Europe this year. After 15 days of competitions, the event concluded with a closing ceremony, held on Wednesday, July 24, at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen.

The closing ceremony was held in the presence of the highest regional, city, university and university sports officials, and showed highlights of each of the 17 and one inclusive sports featured at the 2024 Games, as well as giving a sneak peek of what we can expect at the next European Universities Games in 2026 in Salerno.

Three closing speeches took place at the ceremony. First to address the present participants, was the Rector of the University of Debrecen, Mr Prof. Dr. Zoltán Szilvássy, followed by Dr Balazs Hanko, Minister of Culture and Innovation and Mr Adam Roczek, President of the European University Sports Association.

Mr Roczek, thanked all the present athletes, officials, the members of the organizing committee and officially declared the Games concluded.

After the lowering of the EUSA flag and playing the academic anthem Gaudeamus Igitur, the flag was passed from the President of the Organising Committee of the European Universities Games 2024, MEFS President Lajos Mocsai, to the organizers of the next edition of the European Universities Games in 2026, represented by Vice Rector of University of Salerno, Mr Carmine Vecchione, CUS Salerno President and FISU Executive Committee Member Mr. Lorenzo Lentini, and University of Salerno General Director Mr Attilio Riggio. In 2026, the university sports community will gather in Salerno, located in the south of Italy.

Over 6000 people were directly engaged in the event, recording 4513 participants, representing 414 universities from 36 countries. Over 800 volunteers contributed to the success of the event, and other key people making the event a reality were members of the Organising Committee, EUSA representatives and staff, as well as a strong delegation of referees and judges, many of them nominated through European sport governing bodies.

Mr Adam Roczek, handed out a special token of appreciation to the two of the volunteering coordinators, as a thank you gift for their valuable work and contribution to the success of the event.

The European Universities Games target athletes enrolled in higher education studies in Europe, and this year’s edition of the Games offered them the chance to compete in 3x3 Basketball, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Chess, Football, Futsal, Handball, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Table Tennis, Para Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo. Competitions in 3x3 Basketball and Football were also considered as European qualifiers for FISU University World Cups.

Apart from the sports competitions, the Games offered a wide array of educational, cultural and social activities. Several educational events, including conferences on volunteering, workshops on social skills, fair play, mental health, dual career and other fun and educational activities have been carried out in July.

The European Universities Games in Miskolc and Debrecen were organized under the license of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) by the University of Miskolc, University of Debrecen and City of Miskolc, in cooperation with the EUSA Institute and several partners, including the Ministry of Education and Science, national and local tourism organizations, national and local sports organization, media outlets and was also supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

The experience of EUG 2024

In this month’s What’s up student Column our EUSA ESC volunteer Ms Marta Studzinska elaborates on her experience at the European Universites Games 2024, as her second games, with her different roles and perspectives.

The European Universities Games Debrecen-Miskolc 2024 represented a remarkable coming together of dedication, sportsmanship, and international cooperation. This event marked an unforgettable chapter in my life, filled with challenges, triumphs, and profound experiences. As a European Solidarity Corps volunteer with the European University Sports Association, I spent several months immersed in the preparation for the Games, finally experiencing them firsthand in July.

This experience was particularly meaningful for me, having previously been part of the Organizing Committee during the European Universities Games 2022 in Łódź, Poland, and volunteering at various sports events in the past, including those organized by EUSA. This time, I gained a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in hosting such a significant event.

The dedication of the EUSA team and the Organizing Committee was inspiring. Each member brought a unique skill set to the table, and together, we formed a great unit, driven by a common goal: to make the 7th edition of the European Universities Games a success. As part of the Hospitality & Protocol Team, I was responsible for ensuring the smooth arrival and departure of officials, managing their stay, arranging travel, and coordinating transport. Working behind the scenes, I learned about the complexity of event management and the importance of teamwork. The stress was noticeable at times, especially when faced with tight deadlines and unexpected challenges. However, the support from my colleagues and the shared sense of purpose kept me motivated. There were moments of doubt, but also moments of pure joy when a plan came together perfectly. The fellowship and mutual respect within the team were key to our success.

The European Universities Games 2024 themselves were a whirlwind of activity. As the event kicked off, the months of preparation were put to the test. The athletes arrived with high spirits and competitive energy, ready to showcase their skills and sportsmanship. It was exciting to see the fruits of our efforts come to life in such a vibrant and dynamic way.

From dawn till dusk, the days were packed with activities. My role involved problem-solving on the fly and managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring that every aspect of the hospitality was flawlessly executed. Whether it was coordinating last-minute travel changes, managing transportation schedules, or addressing unexpected issues, the nervousness was noticeable, but so was the excitement.

One of the most memorable moments was watching the athletes interact, form friendships, and share cultural experiences. The Games were not just about competition but also about unity and cultural exchange. Seeing participants from diverse backgrounds come together in the spirit of sportsmanship was a powerful reminder of the unifying power of sports.

Reflecting on my journey with the European Universities Games 2024, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This experience has been a significant learning curve, teaching me invaluable lessons in flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork. The hard work, late nights, and occasional stress were all worth it when I saw the successful culmination of the event.

The EUSA team and the Organizing Committee worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. Their dedication and passion were contagious, creating an environment where everyone was motivated to give their best.

On a personal level, this experience has been transformative. I have gained not only professional skills but also lifelong friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. The European Universities Games 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of sports, unity, and the human spirit. More than Games!

To anyone considering volunteering for such events, I say embrace the opportunity with open arms. The journey is demanding, but the rewards are immeasurable. Being a part of something so grand and impactful is a privilege and a truly enriching experience.

In conclusion, the European Universities Games 2024 will always hold a special place in my heart. As a volunteer, I am proud of what we achieved and grateful for the chance to contribute to such a remarkable event. This experience has not only shaped me professionally but also personally, leaving an indelible mark on my life.

The author of the article is Marta Studzinska, currently doing her European Solidarity Corps volunteering experience at the EUSA Institute. She graduated from Logistics at Poznan University of Technology.

Are you a student with an opinion? We are looking for new contributors for our student column every month. Feel free to contact stc@eusa.eu to offer a piece or propose a topic.

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EUG2024 is successfully concluded