The 2024 European Universities Games (EUG), jointly organized by the Universities of Debrecen and Miskolc this summer, received special attention at Educatio International Trade Fair, that took place last week at Hungexpo, in Budapest, from January 11 to 13.

Among the framework of this year's edition of the Hungarian largest educational annual exhibition, the EUG 2024 showcased itself to the public of the fair with the main goal of communicating the latest news and recruiting volunteers for the multisport event that will take place in July. In addition to getting information about the application process to become a volunteer at EUG 2024, interested individuals had the opportunity to try exciting games at the EUG booth and participate in other joint activities.

The 2024 European Universities Games are expected to welcome a great number of athletes from across Europe’s leading universities, who will be able to represent their respective universities by competing in 17 different sports and take part in a wide range of educational and social activities.

On the occasion of launching the volunteer application, a press conference was held on the opening day of the exhibition, on which organizers announced that they are  welcoming applications from both domestic and international volunteers. Those interested can already register for the application through the official website of the Games.

Hankó Balázs, State Secretary for Innovation and Higher Education at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM), Bács Zoltán, Chancellor of the University of Debrecen, Horváth Zita, Rector of the University of Miskolc, and Juhász Péter, Secretary-General of the Hungarian University and College Sports Association, conveyed the message of the Games and emphasized the importance of volunteering.

In his opening speech, Balázs Hankó, State Secretary for Innovation and Higher Education at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) addressed the summer games, pointing out how the EUG 2024 will help the two organizing institutions to become part of the TOP100 European universities.

The Ministry of Culture and Innovation supports the European Universities Games 2024, because sports provide strength and shape, as sports are the shape of Hungarian higher education and national identity. Therefore, let this year be the year of sports and movement in Hungarian higher education as well - emphasized Balázs Hankó.

During the press briefing, Zoltán Bács, the Chancellor of the University of Debrecen, pointed out that currently, 7,500 foreign students from 139 countries are studying at the University of Debrecen. Regarding the organization of the European Universities Games, they hope that the institution and Hungary will gain even more recognition in Europe.

We expect the participation of the largest number of athletes in the history of Hungary at the Games, and I believe we will provide them with unforgettable experiences. The opening ceremony will take place in Miskolc, while the closing ceremony will be in Debrecen, coinciding with the opening day of the Campus Festival. So, already seven years ago, we thought that an event of such magnitude, with over five thousand athletes, should be a truly worthy occasion, precisely at the time when Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the European Union - indicated the Chancellor of the University of Debrecen.

We hope that the two universities, together with Hungary, will host an event that is a large-scale, beautiful sports event and one that has not yet taken place in our country. We are also preparing accompanying programs in both cities that can make the event even more colorful for both the participating athletes and their companions - said Zita Horváth, the Rector of the University of Miskolc.

Péter Juhász, the Secretary-General of the Hungarian University and College Sports Federation, expressed: In the summer of 2024 - right after the UEFA European Championship and before the Paris Olympics - Hungarian sports, especially university sports, will come into focus throught the European Universities Games 2024.

Our not-so-secret goal is to bring the best university athletes to Hungary and show Europe how much life and perspective there is in university sports. Today is an important milestone, as we have opened the volunteer application process. We will need about 1,500 helpers to realize this multisport event with 17 sports and two cities - revealed the details of the Secretary General.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the 2024 European Universities Games in Hungary. Register now and get ready to experience “More than Games” in Debrecen and Miskolc in 2024!

For more information about the event and how to register, please visit www.eug2024.eu