Opening Ceremony of European Universities Tennis and Padel Championships
“United by the court. Inspired by Coimbra” defined the true spirit of the Opening Ceremony of European Universities Tennis and Padel Championships Coimbra 2025 held yesterday evening in Pátio das Escolas, right in the heart of the University of Coimbra, to celebrated the pure joy of sportivism.
The event was received by the historical atmosphere of the place mixed with the enthusiasm of all the delegations in competition. This enthusiasm could be felt since the beginning by the Parade of Delegations which presented all the teams. This was the highest point of the evening, providing the audience the opportunity to meet the true stars of the event.
After the Delegations Parade, it was time to hear a few words by the President of the Organising Committee, Carlos Magalhães, the President of Portuguese University Sports Association, Ricardo Nora, and the Rector of the University of Coimbra, Professor Amílcar Falcão, sided by the President of Coimbra Municipality, José Manuel Silva. Everyone praised the importance of this events for the sport development of university students and the major legacy this kind of competitions give to the cities and the universities responsible for these competitions.
An opening speech was shared by the EUSA representative, Liviu Matac, as well as the Portuguese Secretary of State for Sport, Pedro Dias, who kindly directed some words for the athletes, officials, referees and volunteers enhancing the spirit of healthy competition.
The ceremony was followed by a Fado Performance, starring the Grupo de Fados e Guitarradas of Fado Section of Academic Association of Coimbra to involve all the participants in the culture and spirit of the city.
The Championships were officially opened by the highest authorities followed by the “A Portuguesa”, the Portuguese national anthem and the ceremony was closed by the “Gaudeamus Igitur” the EUSA anthem that complemented the Oath of the Athletes and the Oath of the Referees.
It’s now time for competition and we wish you all good luck and enjoy your stay in Coimbra!