On Sunday evening the 2018 FISU World University Beach Volleyball Championship opened with Jonas Reckermann, Olympic gold medalist in 2012, bringing the FISU flag to the Center Court.
MUNICH – The participating nations marched into the Center Court of the beach volleyball facility of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in front of around 300 spectators. There, the singer Ute Ziemer welcomed the athletes with the German national anthem and the FISU anthem.
“Athletes deserve great recognition and respect for combining their education with sport,” Kiechle said. In her opening statement, the minister underlined the importance of cultural exchange and international understanding. With the words “I wish this event success and a wonderful time for the athletes. I hereby declare the WUBC 2018 open.”
Dr. Verena Burk, President of the event organising committee, echoed these same sentiments in her address: “From students for students. This is our motto for this event.”
Added Dr. Burk: “In addition, the event will provide a framework for cultural exchange. This gives athletes the opportunity to get to know German and Bavarian culture and to enjoy an exchange with athletes and officials from different cultural backgrounds.”
Luciano Cabral, FISU Vice-President, thanked all those involved in this. For the further course of the event he addressed his speech specifically to the individual teams: “For now the championship is in your hands. I wish everyone good luck.”
Jonas Reckermann, Olympic gold medalist in 2012, brought the FISU flag to the Center Court.
The athlete’s oath was taken by Leonie Klinke and the referee’s oath by Stefan Müller. The traditional Bavarian “Goaßlschnalzer“, accompanied by various accordion pieces, made for an entertaining cultural programme.
Dr. Hans Pongratz, Vice President of the TUM, made sure to especially thanked the over 100 volunteers and 300 ball children for their support. “The WUBC is one of the most impressive events in the year of the 150th anniversary of the university.”.
The Opening Ceremony ended with a spectacular performance by “Traumfänger,” acrobats of the TUM. The competitions start on Monday. In the group stage, all teams will already be on the courts twice.
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