2012 University Games in Norway

BERGEN – The 6th Norwegian University Games were held in Bergen from October 10th to 14th. Over 1,500 athletes contributed in making this the best university sports event in Norway during 2012.

The games opened with a blast. Cultural events together with an amazing firework show kickstarted five days of sports and social happenings.

Friday night the information officer at Bergen Challenge announced with great enthusiasm that they had accredited all participants, who had the oportunity to compete in 14 different sports, i.e. futsal, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, handball, badminton, fencing, lacrosse, chess, half marathon, uphill running, floorball, tennis and squash. Ladies lacrosse were actually the first national tournament in Norway ever. The winners of the futsal tournament, the Norwegian School of Economics Sports Team, is eager to start prepare for the EUC– they are definitely going to Malaga next year.

Saturday, the day most of the finals were held, was a hectic affair for those who wanted to be a part of all the fun as either an athlete, supporter or cheerleader. 25 finals were held and over 510 medals and eight trophies were handed out. Jewel in the crown was the Norwegian School of Economics Sports Team as they had a clear victory in the total of medals that were handed out. They were awarded the prize for the best University during the gala Saturday night.

Alongside the competitions were also a lot of activities near by the lake in the beautiful city of Bergen. Children could experience sports for the disabled and enjoy the weather while participating in various kids activities.

During the games there was an official visit from the OC staff of the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Winter Games, represented by Magne Vikøren and Kristin Nilseng. The Norwegian Association of University Sports was earlier this year involveld in the preperation for the Youth Olympic Games, as our board member Line Eskerud was elected to the steering committee of YOG 2016. The staff of YOG 2016 is eager to learn more about the volunteer work and how students manage to host such big events. They were truly inspired by the hard working students and are convinced that they can do the same or the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games.

University Games Bergen Challenge 2012 went smoothly from day one thanks to the enormous will of volunteering, over 350 contributors helped out, and the Norwegian NUSF is now very much looking forward to the next University Games in Trondheim in February 2013 which will be hosted by the technical committee of the University Sports Club at the Norwegian Universty of Science and Technology.

(Source: EUSA & NSI)