As the EUG 2016 clock had previously marked the start of the countdown to the Games, it was only right to announce the entering into its final stage on Wednesday, July 6 right beside it. With the help of Hrki, EUG volunteers handed out cookies imprinted with the logo of the Games.
Haris Pavletić, the vice president of EUSA and the EUG 2016, said that many volunteers had already arrived and that all the venues would be ready for the Games. “I am glad this event has contributed to the rise in academic standards. Thanks to the Games, the Campus will be equipped with new student accommodation facilities,” he added.
“We are now counting down minutes to the Games, as the first students are arriving on Saturday, July 9,” said Pero Lučin, the rector of University of Rijeka. He thanked all those participating in the organization of the Games, as well as the contractors working on the new accommodation facilities on the Campus. Mr. Lučin also added this was the first time that a Rectors’ Conference would be held during the Games. The conference will be attended by over 40 rectors, who will work together with European universities and organizations to adopt a declaration to improve the status of student sports, as well as encourage the development of dual careers for student athletes.
Fernando Kirigin, the deputy mayor of Opatija, said he was glad his town was participating in the organization of the Games alongside bigger cities such as Rijeka and Zagreb.
Vojko Obersnel, the mayor of Rijeka, said that Rijeka’s previous involvement in the organization of numerous sporting events would make it a great host city.
Zlatko Komadina, the prefect of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, said he was glad the Games were taking place in an area with the most athletes per capita, which comes as no surprise considering the amount of investment that goes into sports.
At the end of the promotional event, the hardworking EUG mascot Hrki helped the volunteers hand out cookies decorated with the EUG logo to the invitees, journalists, and guests. The cookies were provided by the cooks of the Gardens Restaurant, the official EUG 2016 restaurant in Rijeka.
