The Rotterdam edition of the European University Games in 2014 will take place, regardless of the decision of the EUR Board of Governors to not guarantee the sports event.
Last week there was significant uncertainty whether or not the Games would take place. The organizational committee had been waiting since October 2012 on the guarantee of the Erasmus University in case of financial debit. Without the guarantee, the event might not have been able to be organized. Although the Board of Governors did not grant the guarantee, the 2nd EU Games Rotterdam 2014 Foundation has decided to continue and organize the Games anyway. The Games will be the sportive closing of the Lustrum year. The Foundation thinks that even without the extra security of the Erasmus University, they will be able to make the event happen.
Relief
Tournament director Henk Smit is pleased that the organization itself decided to go ahead and organize the event anyway. “The guarantee would have been a significant extra security, but how much guarantee is really needed? With a solid budget plan, substantial reserves and the financial okay we got from several other parties the event should also be possible.”
Daniël Sikkens, head of the 2nd European University Games 2014 Foundation, is also delighted. “We did want the security that a guarantee would give us, especially in these times. It is thrilling to continue without a safety net. Luckily, the municipality did agree to additional means recently. It feels great to finally be able to continue with the organization of the event.”
Rowing
After having accomplished in 2011 that the Games could be organized at the university, the goals that were set were lowered quite quickly. Whereas first the aim was to include 4000 participants, this number has been decreased to 2500. However, this number might rise some since, unlike previously announced, rowing might be added as a component of the EU Games 2014. Both the municipality and the overarching sports organization for European universities EUSA want rowing to be a part of the event. Hereby, the number of participants might turn out higher than the estimated 2500.
Housing
The EU Games will also not take place in the beginning of July, which was the original idea, but in the second half of July and the first week of August. The entire event will be spread out over 15 or 16 days due to the housing capacity. In this way, all athletes can be housed in two different shifts. A large part of the participants will be housed in the expansion-side of the U-building.
In March, the organizing committee will present its concrete program to EUSA. TF/NdB
