Main goal of every sport event, especially large scale multi-sport event, is what will stay behind it. When deciding who will organize competitions, especially European Universities Games, one of key points is what will be the legacy of it.

University sport events are even more important because every competition should raise the bar and help popularize university sport and set the standards for events to come. Students who practice sport at the University of Coimbra will have better conditions after the EUG and the City of Coimbra will have multiple benefits.

Three sports halls that are parts of Coimbra University stadium will be refurbished, football field renovated, as well as public areas, student dormitories, tribune at the main stadium and sports halls in the City of Coimbra. All that is in direct link with student standards. Number of student residents will also be increased as well as delivery capacity of meals for students.

EUG 2018 sports director and a sport student at the University of Coimbra, Filipa Godinho says that without a doubt, refurbishment of sports facilities is the most important.

“For me, as a sport student in University of Coimbra who knows the conditions of all the sport facilities in Coimbra, it means a lot. I can understand how all the changes that are being done here will affect positively the sport in Coimbra and specifically the University sport in general. We are talking about 8 sport facilities that will have a new life with this event. For me this is one of the most important legacy that will stay for many many years.”

We do not have to mention that all students who want to practice sport or to become dual career athletes. University of Coimbra will create Sports Service department, have inquiry about sports habits of students, improve policies regarding student athletes and promote sports in students residents. Everything mentioned will create more opportunities and have more students involved in sport activities at the University of Coimbra.

Coordination with FADU in realization of sports projects and creating Young referees development program will increase the level of sport both in Coimbra and the rest of Portugal. Together, they will do a national study about participation of students in sports.

All mentioned above including the social and economic impact to the whole community of Coimbra means that the legacy European Universities Games will be used and remembered for a long time.