The Opening Ceremony of the 2025 European Universities Beach Sports Championships was held on 14 July at the University of Granada.

The vibrant Opening Ceremony of the 2025 European Universities Beach Sports Championships brought together 350 athletes, officials, referees, and notable guests in a lively and inspiring celebration that set an electrifying tone for the days of competition ahead.

Participants were welcomed on behalf of the Organising Committee by the University of Granada's Rector, Pedro Mercado Pacheco, who expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the crucial role of sports in fostering community engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting the development of student-athletes at the university level.

The General Director of Sports Events and Facilities, Gorka Lerchundi Rebollo; and the Sports Councillor, Jorge Iglesias Puerta, also addressed the audience. 

Suleyman Kocasert, the EUSA Executive Committee representative, welcomed all the participants and wished them well ahead of the start of the competition. He also thanked the Organising Committee for their contributions.

The competition is organised by the Spanish University Sport Committee and the University of Granada, with contributions from the Junta de Andalucía, the city of Albolote, and the city of Granada. The university and city have a strong tradition in hosting university-level sporting events, previously organizing EUC 2023 tennis, which guarantees a high level of professionalism and commitment to excellence. The event also enjoys strong support from the local municipality, civic institutions, and local sports associations.

The University of Granada, together with the Granada City Council and the Provincial Council of Granada, with support from the Andalusian Regional Government and the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD), will organise the 2030 European Universities Games. The Games will coincide with the 500th anniversary of the University's official foundation on 14 July 1531, and will serve as a platform for related celebrations in 2031. 

Before the start of the Opening Ceremony, the Rector of the University of Granada, Pedro Mercado Pacheco, held a special meeting, which was also attended by the SCAC chair,  Suleyman Kocasert. The guests discussed the importance of sport, especially university sport, for future development, and shared plans for the next steps in organising the European Universities Games in 2030. During the meeting, the EUSA plaque was presented to Marifran Carazo Villalonga, Mayor of Granada; Salustriano Urena García, Mayor of Albolote; and Gorka Lerchundi Rebollo, General Director of Sports Events and Facilities, in recognition of their support in organising this year's championship.

The Championship will take place from July 14 -19 in the Albolote Municipal Sports Hall and the Fuentenueva University Campus.

EUSA is represented by Suleyman Kocasert, SCAC Chair and Branding and Marketing Council Chair, Marco Trespidi, Beach Handball Technical Delegate, Ana Diez Fernandez, Beach Handball Assistant Technical Delegate, Anton Fichtinger, Beach Volleyball Technical Delegate, Sara Rozman, EUSA Director Education and Operations, Kinga Gaal, Sports Events Intern, and Julija Furcic, EUSA Results Supervisor. They will ensure that the event runs smoothly and without any problems.

The competition will host nine women's and men's beach handball teams and twenty-two women's and twenty-three men's beach volleyball teams representing 47 universities, from 18 countries.

The Vytautas Magnus University men's team and the Lithuanian Sports University women's team are defending the title of European Universities Beach Volleyball Champions. The title of European Universities Beach Handball Champions is being defended by the University of Malaga in both the women's and men's categories.

Expectations are high as athletes from across Europe gather to compete at a great level of university sport, showcasing not only their athleticism but also the spirit of fair play, friendship, and cultural exchange.

The event was alive with energy, marked by music and vibrant delegations proudly waving their flags, creating a truly international and festive atmosphere. The parade of universities drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience as each university delegation entered with pride and excitement.

The ceremony featured a captivating performance by Pablo Gimenez, presenting a vibrant display of traditional Andalusian guitar music that reflected the cultural richness of the host city.

Several athletes shared their enthusiasm about the event. Volunteers, many of whom are students from the host university, also expressed their pride in being part of the organisational team. During the vibrant Opening Ceremony of the European Universities Beach Sports Championship, both athletes and referees proudly took the oath, pledging fair play, integrity, and respect throughout the competition.

In line with EUSA’s commitment to sustainability, organisers implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including digital information systems, reusable water stations, and waste separation zones across the competition venues.

The organisers hope the Championship will serve not only as a competitive platform but also as a legacy for future university sport in the region, inspiring young athletes and setting a benchmark for hosting international events.

Prior to the opening ceremony, General Technical Meetings were held for both sports, during which the draw took place and official rules and policies, the match schedule, and detailed instructions regarding match procedures and safety measures were shared.

The EUC Beach Sports 2025 in Granada is set to attract top university athletes from across Europe. With cheering crowds, rhythmic beach beats, and the stunning Andalusian coastline providing the backdrop, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.

More information can be found at https://beachsports2025.eusa.eu/