The 3x3 European University Basketball Championship began with a sold-out opening ceremony on Saturday evening at the University Square. At the opening, the athletes of the 35 institutions and the referees took their oaths, and the audience could also admire a spectacular dance and acrobatic basketball show.
At the sold-out opening ceremony, Károly Pető, Vice-Rector of the University of Debrecen, welcomed the participants on behalf of the University of Debrecen and said it was an honour for DE to host the prestigious sporting event.
- At the University of Debrecen we understand the transformative power of sports. Our campuses offer a wide range of world-class sport facilities that fulfil needs of our students and colleagues. Being proud to have up-to-date sport complexes and extremely modern sport infrastructure, the University of Debrecen continuously encourages its students to do their best both on the court and in the field of education.
On behalf of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and its President, Ilan Kowalsky, EUSA-representative, welcomed the participants and highlighted the work of the Organising Committee.
- We are proud to say that today we are celebrating, as this is another chance to experience the uniqueness of university sport, right here at the opening ceremony, which the Organising Committee has also done an excellent job in bringing to life. I am sure that the participating athletes will enjoy themselves and fight for the best results, in the most sportive, friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere - Ilan Kowalksy noted.
The international sporting director added that the 3x3 Basketball European Championship is a great opportunity for participants to make new friends and learn about new cultures.
László Balogh, President of the Organizing Committee and Director of the UD Sports Science Coordination Institute, opened the 3x3 competition with 16 women's and 24 men's teams. The ceremony was also attended by Chancellor Zoltán Bács and Péter Juhász, Secretary General of the Hungarian University Sports Federation. The opening ceremony was closed with a basketball choreography by the Piruett Dance Studio and a spectacular acrobatic basketball performance by the Face Team.
Entrance to the meetings is free of charge and fans can enjoy a sparkling atmosphere in front of the University of Debrecen Main Building.
Check out the gallery on the event's official social media pages!