Nine days before the opening of the European Universities Games Zagreb – Rijeka 2016, a photo exhibition entitled “The Glory of Rijeka’s Sports” was set up on Korzo Street in Rijeka. This exhibition, partly humanitarian in character, was organized by EUG’s Social Activities Committee and will be open to the public throughout July.
The photos were obtained from the archives of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County’s Sports Association, the Novi List journal, as well as sports clubs, players, and sports photographers. They capture famous swimmers, handball, water polo, judo, and basketball players, as well as EUG sport venues, such as the Mladost Sports Hall, the Zamet Centre, the Kantrida Swimming Pools, and the Marino Cvetković Sports Hall in Opatija. The photos also showcase Rijeka’s sports clubs, famous ball sports players, and the ambassadors of the Games – Croatian Football Club Rijeka and Water Polo Club Primorje Erste Bank – who have proudly supported Croatia’s largest sporting event by displaying EUG promotional imagery during their matches.
Haris Pavletić, the vice president of the EUG, said that this was the first time Rijeka would host such a large number of sporting events and athletes. He also added he was convinced that the citizens of Rijeka would once again prove to be great hosts and give everyone an experience to look back on.
Snježana Prijić Samaržija, the prorector of the University of Rijeka, said that a Rectors’ Conference will be held at the University beginning July 12. The conference will be attended by rectors from Europe and North America, who will discuss dual careers of student athletes.
The exhibition opened with a performance by the youngest members of the Gymnastics Club Rijeka and live music by the band Duo Brutalero. The EUG mascot Hrki was also present, and apart from numerous invitees and EUG officials, the opening ceremony was also attended by a large number of citizens and athletes.
In collaboration with FC Rijeka and the Foto Kurti photographic studio, some of the photos displayed in the City Hall’s show window were made available for sale. Donated money will go to the Social Supermarket.
Vojko Obersnel, the mayor of Rijeka, said that it made him proud to see that the photos showcasing the glory of Rijeka’s sports barely managed to fit along the length of Korzo, thus forcing him to pick out only the very best.
Zlatko Komadina, the prefect of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, said that an event of such importance could only be held in a place with a history of remarkable athletic achievements and a great sports infrastructure. This is why the County continues to encourage children to take up sports in their youth.
