PIUTT 2018 Opening Ceremony

On Friday night October 19th at the Olympus Sport Complex of the Dubna State University the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd edition of the PCU International University Tennis Tournament (PIUTT) took place.

After welcoming words by representatives of the Host University (Dubna State University) and of the Host City Dubna, the tournament was officialy declared open by Prof. Dr. Francis baron Van Loon, Honorary Rector of the University of Antwerp and President of the PIUTT Organizing Committee. Afterwards, the draw for the competitions was held: all 16 players (8 men and 8 women) were drawn in 2 groups per gender.
All players (representing 6 universities from 3 countries, and representing 6 nations) were invited to the stage for the yearly Parade of the Players. Referee and player representatives took the oath to participate and officiate the PIUTT in the spirit of Fair Play and Sportmanship.

The official student hymn “Gaudeamus Igitur” and a beautiful saxophone performance by a Dubna State University student ended the official part of the Opening Ceremony, after which all players, delegation members, guests, volunteers and members of the organization enjoyed a light dinner together.

Also, during the Opening Ceremony, the exposition of the Antwerp University and Panathlon Drawing Contest 2017, devoted to University Sport and Olympic principals, was set up. During the Opening Ceremony a voting round for the “Honorable Commendation of the PIUTT 2018 Participants” was organized. After the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, the winner will be known!