The European Universities Games Łódź 2022 was officially declared open in the evening of the 17th of July in a grand ceremony that took place in the Atlas Arena.
Athletes, referees, representatives of authorities at various levels (including: Mr. Adam Roczek, President of EUSA, His Magnificence Rector of the Technical University of Lodz Mr. Professor Krzysztof Jóźwik and President of the AZS Mr. Professor Alojzy Nowak) and universities participating in the Games, as well as fans: everybody gathered in the largest sports and entertainment hall of Łódź to admire the show put on by the organisers of EU Games 2022.
The main event of the evening was the Athletes’ March, where the 6.000 athletes from 40 European countries danced on the tarmac proudly showing their countries flag and highlighting their universities. The entrance of the Ukrainian delegation was welcome by a standing ovation of the arena, giving support not only in their fight at these Games, but also in the face of war in their homeland.
Afterward was time for the official part of the show, which started with the raising of the polish flag while the national anthem of the Republic of Poland was sung by the Academic Choir of the Technical University of Łódź led by conductor Mariusz Levy. Speeches followed, with emphasis on the essence of the Games and the universal values carried through sport.
The most awaited moment of the official opening of the Games was symbolised by a ribbon cutting ceremony executed by the Rector of the Technical University of Łódź, His Magnificence Professor Krzysztof Jóźwik. An oath on behalf of the whole academic community was taken by Marcel Wągrowski, a swimmer representing the organising university – the Technical University of Lodz.
The artistic side of the ceremony featured four parts: the beauty of nature, youth, technology and sport. Landscapes of Poland, history of Łódź, universities, joy and failures in competitions were honoured, while the academic choir from the Adam Mickiewicz University, under the direction of Beata Bielska, played in the background.
A beautiful way to conclude a ceremony that lasted two hours, leaving the floor to the athletes to express themselves on the field of play in the next two weeks across 20 disciplines.
