European University Handball Championship: An Interview with the President of the Organizing Committee

With the European University Handball Championship about to begin, we spoke with the President of the Organizing Committee to learn more about the expectations for the tournament, its impact on the city of Covilhã, and what this moment represents for the academic community and for the future of international sport events in the region.

 How many teams do you expect to receive, and from how many different countries?

"With the organization of the European University Handball Championship, in addition to our two home teams, the men's and the women's teams, we will be receiving 22 more teams from across Europe. That makes a total of 24 teams, representing 9 different nationalities. It's a great example of how university sport brings together diversity and cooperation on a European level."

 What impact do you expect this championship to have on the city of Covilhã, both economically and socially?

"We hope this event will leave a significant legacy, not only in terms of expertise in organizing international sporting events, but also in the promotion of sport within our university and the local community.

For Covilhã, this is particularly relevant during the summer, when many students are still in town. We expect to welcome around 600 people, including athletes and delegation members, which will generate an economic boost in areas such as accommodation, restaurants, and local businesses.

Beyond the economic impact, the tourist and social programmes, along with the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, will bring vibrancy and energy to the city."

 Do you believe this event can open doors for future international competitions in Covilhã?

"This championship has all the potential to be the starting point for many more international events in Covilhã. It marks the end of a long period without major international competitions here, and one of our main goals is to establish a structured plan that can serve future editions, so we don’t have to start from scratch every time.

The fact that the organization has been running smoothly and receiving such positive feedback gives us confidence that this can be the beginning of a new chapter for the city.

I’d also like to thank the University of Beira Interior and the Covilhã City Council, their support has been crucial in ensuring that we meet all the conditions needed for a successful event."

What message would you like to leave for students, the academic community, and the visitors who will take part in or attend the championship?

"To our students, I say: take full advantage of this opportunity. From the very beginning, we prioritized their involvement, especially through the volunteer programme. This is a rare moment, the last international event of this kind in Covilhã was 25 years ago.

To the wider academic community who weren’t able to join the team of volunteers, I warmly invite you to get involved, attend the matches, and support everyone who is part of this event.

And to all our visitors, I hope this experience is truly memorable, not only because of the competition, but also thanks to the chance to discover our region, our customs, and our way of life. Promoting what Covilhã and Portugal have to offer is one of the key goals of this championship."

The European University Handball Championship is more than a competition, it is a moment of connection between nations, people and cultures. Covilhã is ready to show all it has to offer and to welcome the European academic sports community with the warmth and ambition that define this region.