WUC Canoe Sprint opens on the banks of Holt-Tisza

The Mayor of Szolnok officially opened the 2018 FISU World University Canoe Sprint Championship on the banks of Holt-Tisza river in Hungary. During the Thursday evening opening celebration, U23 Canoe Sprint world champion Anna Lucz read the athletes’ oath to the competitors representing 22 nations.

22 nations will compete in Canoe Sprint in HungarySZOLNOK, HUNGARY – Following the customary marching in of national teams on the eve of a World University Championship event, Gábor Schmidt, President of the Hungarian Canoe Federation (MKKSZ) delivered a speech on behalf of the organisers, to greet the guests present and the lead characters of the event – the competitors, coaches and officials. The sports leader spoke about how it was personally important for him that athletes do not just perform outstanding at the course, but also to continue to put strong effort into their studies as well.

“Fortunately, it becomes increasingly evident that top sport and learning do get along well, that more and more athletes build dual paths,” The President of the MKKSZ said. “Continue to strive to prepare for your civil lives with your studies already during your sporting careers. It is our pleasure that in canoeing, the participants of university and college competitions, subsequently stand their ground at the world championships.”

On behalf of FISU, Adam Roczek, Chair of CISCA followed with a speech at the opening ceremony. The sports diplomat welcomed everyone at the ceremony on behalf of FISU President Oleg Matytsin and mentioned that Hungary had a great history of organising, and participating at, events under the auspices of FISU. He wished that the competitors gave their best efforts, then asked Mayor Ferenc Szalay to open the eighth edition of the FISU World University Canoe Sprint Championship officially.

The Mayor of Szolnok described the town he leads as one of the bastions of Hungarian canoeing and added that the residents of Szolnok felt pride and joy that the county seat could host the World University Canoe Sprint Championship, a competition lasting from Friday to Sunday (10-12 August).

 Speaking on behalf of the athletes Anna Lucz read the Oath of the Student Athlete where competitors promise to respect and abide by the rules that govern sport, to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship, fair-play and university sport values

The athletes’ oath was delivered by Anna Lucz who earned the title U23 world champion just two weeks ago in K-1 200m event. The officials’ oath was read by Zoltán Mészáros.

During the World Championship, the 1000m and 500m qualification heats and semi-finals will be held on Friday, the 1000m finals and 200m qualification heats on Saturday and the 500m and 200m finals on Sunday.

WUC Canoe Sprint start lists can be found here. Live timing and results can be found here.