On 20th July 2019 in the Auditorium of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. The venue is famous throughout Europe for its excellent acoustic properties and exquisite Neo-Renaissance architecture. It is capable of seating almost one thousand listeners, the Opening Ceremony of the 15th European Universities Basketball Championship was held. About 400 athletes in respectively 14 men’s and 12 women’s teams, representing 22 universities from 14 countries will compete from July 21st to 27th in 3 sport centers in Poznan, Poland. The Ceremony opened with the colourful procession of all the teams taking part in the Championship.
The ceremony was attended by numerous significant guests President of EUSA, Adam Roczek; Deputy Mayor of Poznań, Jędrzej Solarski; Deputy Mayor of Poznań, Katarzyna Kierzek Koperska; Poznań City Hall, Sports Department, Ewa Bąk; Marshal Office, Sports Department, Mariusz Kubiak; Rector of Poznan University of Technology, prof. Tomasz Łodygowski; Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, prof. Tadeusz Wallas; Secretary General of Polish Basketball Association, Olga Kijewska Ratajczak.
On behalf of the Organising Committee the participants were welcomed by the chairman of the OC, Tomasz Szponder, who emphasized that EUC in Basketball initiated a series of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of University Sports Association (AZS) in Poznań. EUSA representative Mr Adam Roczek welcomed all participants and wished all the teams and participants who came to test their skills and abilities well ahead of the start of the competition, while also thanking the Organising Committee for all their contributions.
The last words were spoken by Mr Jędrzej Solarski, Deputy Mayor of the city of Poznań said: “Poznań is modern and fast developing city with a rich history and traditions. Business character of the capital of Wielkopolska region is balanced with youth which is brought by students”. In the end, with a great pleasure, Mr Solarski, officially announced the Championship open.
The University Sports Association (AZS) in Poznań – the host of the 15th European Universities Basketball Championship was established in 1919 by the students of Poznań University (nowadays Adam Mickiewicz University). Thus in 2019, AZS Poznań starts the celebrations of its 100th anniversary. Since 1919 AZS Poznań has been one of the strongest sport clubs in Poland. AZS can be proud of 38 Olympians, numerous World and European Champions and especially of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games gold medallist – Szymon Ziółkowski (athletics – hammer throw), who is currently a member of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland.
EUSA is represented by Mr Marko Zunic and the Technical Delegates: Mr Peter George and Mrs Pascale Weivers. Together with EUSA office representatives Mr Liam Smith and Mr Mariano Carcatella. They will make sure that the event will run smoothly and without problems.
The title of European Universities Basketball Champion is presently held by University of Bologna (Men) and University of Strasbourg (Women).