Welcome Speech – Rector of the University of Primorska

Sports. These are incredible moments when human will and desire overcome the odds. These are the moments we remember. And not just the athletes, but those of us who cheer for them as well.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome this multi-day international event – the World University Championship, organised this year between 8 and 12 September by the University Sports Association in the Plus Climbing centre in Koper. The university city of Koper will thus host nearly 300 participants coming from 24 countries from different continents.

I am glad that the students of the University of Primorska (UP) have the opportunity to participate in such a high-profile and professionally organised sports championship – this year, it is climbing – in our beautiful city. Especially because sport plays an important role at UP. Thus, in recent years, after setting up free recreational activities for students and staff under the name ŠportUP, we have initiated several sports disciplines. Moreover, in the current academic year, students can select the elective course Self-Care for Health, which aims to encourage them to engage in regular physical activity. A healthy mind requires a healthy body, and a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in this. In order to carry out such activities, a technically complete infrastructure is also key. So I am proud to say that, in addition to our gym gallery and exercise corners, we have also set up an outdoor fitness area, which is located next to Livade 1.0 university building in Izola.

The growing importance of university sport is also evidenced by the recent decision of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations to grant a special status to the Slovenian University Sports Association (SUSA), thus recognising the significant role of this organisation in the preservation, promotion and development of sport.

I am sure that this year’s event in Koper will be well-remembered by all the participants. With best wishes for a superb event, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations in advance to all those who will be attending the championship, both on the climbing walls and in the stands, where I will certainly be cheering as well.

Good luck!

Professor Klavdija Kutnar
Rector of the University of Primorska