The Rio 2024 FISU World University Championship is officially open! On the sands of Rio de Janeiro, athletes from 35 delegations gathered for the opening ceremony, which featured plenty of samba, celebration, and positive energy.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the delegations carrying their respective flags, followed by the performance of the Brazilian national anthem.
Next, Ali Massari Al Dhaheri, a member of the FISU Executive Committee, took the stage to welcome the participants: “It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the opening ceremony of Rio 2024. Dear students, I wish you a very safe event. Take the chance to showcase your abilities, get to know each other, and gain valuable experience. I wish you all the best,” said Al Dhaheri.
Afterwards, Luciano Cabral, FISU First Vice-President and President of the Organizing Committee, gave his speech.
“On behalf of the organizing committee, welcome to Brazil and to the first FISU World University Championship. Today, we are making history. In the future, when people look in the books of university sports history, they’ll see our names,” said Cabral.
“When we started planning this event, we chose Rio de Janeiro, our Olympic city. We built this arena in front of two iconic landmarks: Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, because we wanted to offer you the best conditions and unforgettable memories. Enjoy yourselves, feel the spirit of the games, and have a great time. I hereby declare the first FISU Championship in Beach Sports officially open. Thank you,” he added.
Following this, the FISU anthem was played. For the oath, Carolina Pires Militão, a Brazilian athlete from the beach handball team, and Murillo Bastos Junqueira, a Brazilian technical officer, were selected.
After the ceremony, Carol spoke about the experience of taking the oath and participating in the event in such an important way.
“It was the first time I took the oath, and it was a unique feeling. I’m used to recording and speaking, but in front of everyone, I was very nervous. But it’s an indescribable feeling; I think everyone dreams of this, dreams of representing their country in the best way. It’s going to be a very strong competition”, she said.
To conclude the party, the Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, a renowned samba school in Rio de Janeiro, delivered a stunning and vibrant performance, marked by the athletes joining in, “invading” the center of the stage, hugging each other, and dancing to the rhythm of samba.
Hugo Campos, a beach volleyball player from Portugal, was the champion of the World University Championship Beach Volleyball held in Maceió, Brazil, and now he wants to be the champion in Rio de Janeiro.
“I am very happy to participate in these games and represent my university and my country. Being in Brazil is wonderful. I love Brazil; I’ve been here a few times before. I feel at home. Our expectations are high because two years ago we were champions in Maceió. We want to defend our title and are very motivated”, said Campos.
7 Sep
