European Universities 
Games Debrecen-Miskolc 2024
The Hungarian cities of Debrecen and Miskolc will host the 7th edition of European Universities Games as this was announced at the EUSA General Assembly held in Madrid in April 2018. This would be the biggest University sport event organised in Hungary after the 1965 Summer Universiade. The European Universities Games will be held from 12-24 of July and the organisers expect more than 4500 athletes to compete in 17 different sport.
The European Universities Games is a multisport event engaging athletes from European universities, held every two years, hosted in different European university cities. The Hungarian cities of Debrecen and Miskolc are hosting the seventh edition of European Universities Games after Lodz, Poland were handed the hosting rights for 2022.
Representatives from the Organising Committee for the European Universities Games 2024 were present in Lodz, actively participating in many events, following the organisational matters, gaining best practices and experiences on the spot.
Volunteers that were engaged in this year’s Games did a great job promoting the European Universities Games 2024 among the students, athletes, volunteers and many other participants.
On 29 of July, the Organising Committee of the European Universities Games in 2024 Debrecen-Miskolc, Hungary, held a reception, where Mr Zoltan Rakaczki, Board member of the Hungarian University Sports Federation,spoke on behalf of the whole organizational committee of the next edition of the European Universities Games 2024 Debrecen- Miskolc explaining the structure of the Organizational Committee and also sharing that the official website of the next edition of the Games is already available for more information and details of the future organization. The OC of the European Universities Games 2024 will make sure that by the end of the year they will finalize the sports program, with the final list of sports that are going to take part of this edition of the games, as well as other cultural and educational events.
The last sixth edition of the European Universities Games held in Lodz, Poland were a successful multi-sport event with over 6000 people were directly engaged in the event, recording 4459 participants, representing 422 universities from 38 countries and over 800 volunteers contributed to the success of the event.
The 7th edition of the European Universities Games is in full swing in the Hungarian host cities of Debrecen and Miskolc. This event is the largest university sports event organised in Hungary since the 1965 Summer Universiade, running from July 12 to 24, with over 4,500 athletes expected to compete in 17 different sports.
The legacy of the games will be visibly clear as support from many institutions from across Europe and the local community will aid the development of university sports facilities in Debrecen and Miskolc.
The Games feature a diverse lineup of sports, including 3x3 Basketball, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Chess, Football, Futsal, Handball, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, and Water Polo. Emphasising inclusivity, Para Table Tennis is also offered, welcoming student athletes with disabilities. This approach underscores the Games' commitment to diversity and creating a thriving environment for all participants.
On July 11, a hybrid NUSA coordination meeting was held in both host cities, with representatives from Hungary's National University Sports Associations (NUSA) in attendance. This meeting provided a platform for participants to share questions, concerns, and challenges regarding their experience in Hungary. The Organising Committee addressed these challenges, ensuring smooth proceedings and resolving significant issues. Consequently, participants felt positive and optimistic, ready for the official opening ceremony.
On July 12, athletes, officials, volunteers, and invited guests gathered for the official opening ceremony in Miskolc. The event featured a vibrant parade of athletes and officials, proudly waving their national flags. The students' cheers, enthusiasm, and chanting created an electrifying atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed inspirational welcome speeches, exhilarating light shows, and musical performances, with the entire arena singing along.
As we approach the final days of the Games, many sports have concluded with celebratory and electrifying awards ceremonies. In Debrecen, 3x3 Basketball, Football, and Futsal have awarded athletes Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals. The winners in 3x3 Basketball and Football have also qualified for the European qualifiers for the FISU University World Cups.
Currently, active sports in Debrecen include Handball, Table Tennis, and Badminton, Beach Handball and Para Table Tennis.
In Miskolc, competitions in Chess, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, and Volleyball have concluded, with winners celebrated at their respective award ceremonies. Currently, Miskolc hosts Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Water Polo, and Tennis, and Taekwondo.
The Games have also emphasised education, with EUSA Forum held in Debrecen, as well as, many workshops held in both Miskolc and Debrecen. Volunteers and athletes have attended sessions on Fair Play, Dual Careers, and Youth Participation.
Additional workshops are planned, covering Volunteer Management, Women in Sport, and Management, along with cultural events for foreign volunteers. Volunteers play a pivotal role in the event's success, gaining valuable hands-on experience, enhancing personal skills, and fostering a passion for sports, event organisation, and leadership development.
For more information on the European Universities Games 2024 please see www.eug2024.eu