EUG Salerno 2026: opening ceremony held in Piazza della Libertà. 3,000 athletes brought the evening to life, officially launching the Italian edition of the European Universities Games
Joy and excitement, amazement and curiosity. A kaleidoscope of powerful emotions filled the remarkable setting of Piazza della Libertà in Salerno, where last night’s opening ceremony of EUG Salerno 2026—the European Universities Games—was met with extraordinary success.
The Games, taking place until 1 August, are being hosted in Italy for the first time thanks to the joint efforts of the University of Salerno, CUS Salerno, and ADISURC, with the support of FederCUSI and the Campania Regional Government. Competitions are being held at the sports facilities of the Fisciano and Baronissi campuses, as well as in venues across 13 municipalities in the provinces of Salerno and Avellino.
Approximately 3,000 athletes, coaches, officials, team staff, referees, judges, and volunteers—representing part of the total delegation of almost 4,000 participants—brought colour and energy to the impressive parade that made its way from Piazza della Concordia along Lungomare Trieste to the ceremony venue. Leading the procession was the Games’ mascot, Splash, who guided the student-athletes from the 31 participating nations, representing 171 universities from across Europe.
Alternating between live music and images showcasing the host region, the delegations entered a vibrant, packed Piazza della Libertà, providing the perfect backdrop for the official speeches that formally inaugurated the event.
“It is a great pleasure – said Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Regional Government – to officially declare the European Universities Games open. The best results come when we work together, and the outstanding work carried out by the University of Salerno over the past months has enabled us to welcome all these young people in the best possible way. I hope they will have the opportunity to discover our region, enjoy their stay, and make the most of this wonderful experience”.
“It is both an honour and a responsibility to be here for the opening of the European Universities Games – said Virgilio D’Antonio, Rector of the University of Salerno. “For our University, this has been a major challenge, but it would never have been possible without the support of our institutions. Today, Salerno and the whole of Campania become the capital of European university sport, and through the university community we are sending a message of peace and solidarity from our territory. We challenged the municipalities surrounding our University to join us, and the response was not only administrative but filled with genuine enthusiasm. As Nelson Mandela once said, sport has the power to change the world. We firmly believe in the values of both competition and cooperation. Salerno and Campania are now the capital of university sport”.
“From this evening onwards, we are welcoming Europe – declared Lorenzo Lentini, President of CUS Salerno, with pride and satisfaction. “This ceremony marks the beginning of a great challenge that is far more than a one-off event. It represents the culmination of years of commitment. The University of Salerno has consistently invested in sport, enabling more than 6,000 students to practise sport every year. Thanks to EUG Salerno 2026, we have been able to build new sports facilities and further enhance those already in place. Beyond the impressive numbers, however, lies the true significance of university sport and the values it represents—values that are especially important today. You are in a land of extraordinary beauty – he concluded, addressing the athletes – and wherever you go, you will be welcomed with smiles and friendship”.
“It is wonderful to be here in Salerno – said Haris Pavletić, President of EUSA. “We are grateful to the city and the region for embracing the challenge of hosting the European Universities Games. For the next fifteen days, this beautiful land will welcome our students from all over Europe. The organising committee has worked tirelessly to provide everyone with an unforgettable experience and to deliver an event of the highest quality. We are delighted to be here and to witness this magnificent ceremony in Piazza della Libertà. I look forward to following all the competitions throughout these two exciting weeks”.
“I congratulate the Rector for organising an event that brings a piece of Europe to our city – said Vincenzo De Luca, Mayor of Salerno. In his address to the participants, he highlighted the city’s historic role as a centre of culture and integration. “Salerno – he said – is a city of peace, and it is with this spirit that we welcome these young people, who represent part of Europe’s future leadership”.
Photo Gallery
credits: Official team photo Ag.PICA - EUG Salerno 2026
credits: Official team photo Ag.PICA - EUG Salerno 2026
credits: Official team photo Ag.PICA - EUG Salerno 2026
credits: Official team photo Ag.PICA - EUG Salerno 2026
credits: Official team photo Ag.PICA - EUG Salerno 2026
credits: Official team photo Ag.PICA - EUG Salerno 2026
It is time to take stock of EUG Salerno 2026, the eighth edition of the European Universities Games, organised – for the first time ever in Italy – through the outstanding joint efforts of the University of Salerno, CUS Salerno and ADISURC, with the support of FederCUSI and the Campania Region.
On the final day of EUG Salerno 2026, European university titles were awarded in beach volleyball, tennis, football, badminton, 3×3 basketball, and handball.
