The Rectors’ Conference started yesterday at the Grand Hotel 4 Opatijska Cvijeta in Opatija. Taking place from July 11 to July 14 as part of the European Universities Games Zagreb – Rijeka 2016, the Conference is hosted by the University of Rijeka.
The vice president of the EUG Haris Pavletić stated he was happy everyone had gathered in Rijeka and Opatija. He recalled a moment from a few years ago, telling how back then he had been discussing possible Campus constructions and improvements with the Rector of the University of Rijeka, as well as bringing an important event to Rijeka and Croatia. “It was only a dream then, and now we are receiving students from all over Europe, who are going to see what an excellent job we have done here,” said Pavletić.
“I am expecting a spectacular opening ceremony in Zagreb on July 13, followed by excellent competitions in Opatija, Rijeka and Zagreb, where there will be 5800 competitors – more than the previously announced 5000!”
In his welcome speech, the president of the Rectors’ Conference and the Rector of the University of Zagreb Damir Boras expressed his satisfaction with the competitions starting, as well as the satisfaction with the fact that the Games will be a promotion of sport, which teaches us how to face obstacles and be a part of a team, both on the field and in life in general. Mens sana in corpore sano, stated Boras, adding that science needs the support of politics, because it is extremely underfinanced.
The Conference host, the Rector of the University of Rijeka, Pero Lučin, expressed his hope that the guests of the Rectors’ Conference, as well as the participants of the EUG, will have a good time, as the organization is on a high level. As far the Rectors’ Conference is concerned, Lučin said, guests who have arrived have exceptional experience in sport promotion, and know a great deal about the prospect of dual careers for athletes who wish to pursue their education.
The mayors of Opatija and Rijeka, Ivo Dujmić and Vojko Obersnel, and the Prefect of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Zlatko Komadina described their cities and county in such a great manner that the esteemed guests can hardly wait to get to know them better.
The Rectors’ Conference continues on July 12 with round table discussions regarding dual careers.
