European Universities Games
Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1

Interview with CUS Salerno General Director Michele Di Ruocco: “The games are rewarding our collective efforts”

As the first medals are awarded and competitions intensify, athletes and spectators alike are experiencing a continuous stream of excitement, passion, and memorable moments.

“We are now fully immersed in the Games – said Michele Di Ruocco, General Director of CUS Salerno. “It is important to recognize the tremendous organizational effort that our workforce is delivering every single day. We have more than 1,500 matches to stage, involving 173 European universities from 31 countries across the Fisciano and Baronissi campuses. Almost 4,000 student-athletes, 350 national and international referees, and 600 volunteers and staff members from the University of Salerno and ADISURC are contributing to this remarkable event. The 13 sports included in the Games have been carefully scheduled over the fifteen-day programme to ensure that daily attendance peaks remain around 2,000 participants”.

Following the conclusion of the table tennis competitions, where the first European University champions were crowned, attention has already shifted to the next medal events.

“We are witnessing the first finals and the awarding of the first titles – Di Ruocco continued. “Starting yesterday with table tennis, every day will feature a succession of matches and championship finals. Today, the spotlight turns to beach handball, while tomorrow evening the men’s and women’s volleyball finals will take place. The entire volleyball tournament has been held at the Baronissi University Campus. Tomorrow will also see the conclusion of the men’s and women’s futsal tournaments, with the European titles being decided”.

As the competition progresses, the scale of the organizational effort behind the first European Universities Games ever hosted in Italy becomes increasingly evident.

“I feel it is my duty to thank everyone who is making this organizational success possible,” Di Ruocco added. “My gratitude goes first to our Rector, as well as to the staff of every University office, the entire CUS Salerno team, and all those working every day alongside our workforce and volunteers to ensure that every venue operates efficiently and that the thousands of university athletes enjoy an unforgettable experience. Our campuses have become a true kaleidoscope of cultures and enthusiasm. Every evening, Piazza del Sapere has become a vibrant meeting place, attracting more than 3,000 visitors daily and celebrating friendship, inclusion, and the spirit of the Games”.

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