Inspiring Panathlon Vlaanderen Evening with Jan Goossens

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The Panathlon Vlaanderen event on December 5, 2024, featured Jan Goossens, a versatile entrepreneur known for his dedication to ethics and inclusion in the sports world.

Guest speaker Jan Goossens is active in the film and gaming industries, a parent of a top athlete, chair of the parent committee at Gymnastics Vlaanderen, a member of Panathlon Vlaanderen, and founder of Paraski Belgium www.paraski.be. He shared insights on promoting inclusivity in sports, drawing from his daughter Marte’s journey from gymnastics to paraskiing.

Jonathan Peeters, a Paraski member, also gave an inspiring testimonial about the positive impact of sit-skiing on his life.

Held at Restaurant ’t Boerenhof in Gent-Oostakker, the event underscored the commitment of Panathlon members and the PCU Committee to ethical and inclusive sports practices.

Nikita Posaskov Triumphs at AP | PCU Chess Cup; Myriam Garcia Garcia Honored with Fair Play Trophy

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A weekend of intense university chess competition at the AP University of Applied Sciences & Arts concluded with Nikita Posaskov of Vilnius Tech University, Lithuania, emerging as the champion of the prestigious 2024 AP | PCU Chess Cup.

Final Standings of the AP | PCU Chess Cup:

  • 1st Place: Nikita Posaskov (Vilnius Tech University, Lithuania)
  • 2nd Place: Levente-David Ilonczai (ESMT Berlin, Germany)
  • 3rd Place: Mick van Randtwijk (Radboud University, the Netherlands)

Adding a special highlight to the event, Myriam Garcia Garcia from Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain, was awarded the 2024 Enrico Prandi Fair Play Trophy, recognizing her exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The AP | PCU Chess Cup, known for fostering international camaraderie and fair play, once again brought together university chess talents from across the world in a spirited showcase of strategy and skill.

Official Competitions AP | PCU Chess Cup 2024 Kick Off Today

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The 6th AP | PCU Chess Cup officially begins today at the AP University of Applied Sciences & Arts Antwerp, marking the start of two intense days of competition. Matches commence at 11:00 AM and will conclude at 6:45 PM, with six rounds scheduled for today. Tomorrow, the final three rounds will determine the new PCU Chess Champions.

This year’s final figures indicate that 28 university delegations from 13 countries are participating, embracing the Panathlon values of Fair Play and Universal Friendship. As the largest international interuniversity chess tournament, organised by an IOC-recognized association, the event continues to grow in prestige and significance.

The festivities began yesterday with the Opening Ceremony and the Welcome Chess Tournament, which saw incredible performances in the AP PCU Chess Blitz Welcoming Tournament. Congratulations to the top three winners:

🏆 1st place – Sim Maerevoet, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, Belgium (@aphogeschool)
🥈 2nd place – Kevinas Kuznecovas, Vilnius University, Lithuania (@vilniusuniversity)
🥉 3rd place – Nikita Posaskov, Vilnius Tech University, Lithuania (@vilniustech)

As the official matches begin today at 11:00 AM, the excitement for this prestigious competition is palpable. Best of luck to all participants!

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Grand Opening of the 6th AP | PCU Chess Cup and Welcome Blitz Tournament – Tonight at 19:00

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Chess palying university students around the world, mark your calendars for the grand opening of the 6th PCU Student Chess Cup, kicking off this evening with the Opening Ceremony and a Welcome Blitz Tournament at 19:00, hosted by AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Antwerp.

This exciting international event, organized in partnership with the Royal Belgian Chess Federation, offers a unique opportunity for university and higher education students to demonstrate their chess skills on a global stage. The tournament will feature over 25 university delegations from more than 12 countries, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual challenge and international camaraderie.

The Chess Cup is more than just a competition— it is a celebration of Fair Play and Universal Friendship, principles that guide every move on the chessboard. Participants will not only compete but also form lasting connections with fellow chess enthusiasts from around the world.

Expect thrilling matches, strategic brilliance, and an unforgettable experience as the chess community comes together to celebrate both competition and friendship.

Join us tonight as the chessboards come to life and welcome to all partcipants!

Exciting Start to the PCU University Chess Festivities This Evening!!

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Over 100 university students from 12 countries, including countries like Argentina, will compete in tonight’s PCU Chess@Home Blitz Online Tournament! This exciting event continues a tradition born during the challenging days of the pandemic, now thriving as a global platform. Students from around the world gather to celebrate chess, camaraderie, and competitive spirit in the dynamic PCU Chess environment. Don’t miss this international showcase of strategy and skill!

And this Friday, the opening ceremony for the much-anticipated AP | PCU Chess Cup will take place at the official host venue, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, followed by a thrilling welcome chess tournament.

For detailed information, schedules, and updates, visit the dedicated chess section on the official website. Don’t miss out on this grand start to an exciting series of matches and activities!

Final Preparations Underway for 2024 PCU Chess@Home Blitz Tournament

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The stage is set for the much-anticipated 2024 PCU Chess@Home Blitz Tournament, scheduled to kick off this Wednesday, November 20, at 19:00 CET. The online event serves as an exciting prelude to the prestigious AP | PCU Chess Cup, which will take place from November 22 to 24 at the AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.

The PCU Chess@Home Blitz Tournament, an annual highlight in the online university chess community, is expected to attract around 125 participants from 11 different countries. Players of all skill levels will compete in a fast-paced, high-stakes format designed to test their strategic thinking and quick decision-making abilities.

This virtual competition sets the stage for the in-person AP | PCU Chess Cup, a global student gathering that promises to be even more diverse, with representatives from 14 nations confirmed to attend. The AP | PCU Chess Cup has long been celebrated as a unique platform for fostering international student sportsmanship and cross-cultural exchange among students.

As the countdown to the first move begins, excitement is building among players and spectators alike for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the game.

2024 Opening Ceremony: AP | PCU Bridge Trophy and Welcome Pairs Tournament

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Tonight marks the official opening of the 2024 AP | PCU Bridge Trophy, hosted by AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Antwerp. This prestigious event, celebrating international collaboration and sportsmanship, gathers bridge enthusiasts and academic delegations from several renowned institutions.

Participating Institutions

The ceremony welcomes delegations from:

  • Imperial College London (UK)
  • University of Ghent (Belgium)
  • University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
  • Cologne Bridge (Germany)
  • AP University | DUA (Belgium)
  • TU Vienna (Austria)
  • Utrecht University (The Netherlands)

These esteemed institutions are represented by students and bridge players committed to excellence and the Panathlon Spirit of Fair Play, which embodies integrity, respect, and sportsmanship.

The Event

Following tonight’s opening ceremony, the players will dive straight into the Welcome Pairs Tournament, a friendly competition that fosters camaraderie and a spirit of unity among participants. This prelude to the official AP | PCU Bridge Trophy competition sets the tone for an exciting weekend of bridge.

Schedule of Events:

  • Opening Ceremony: Welcoming words and introductions of the participating delegations.
  • Welcome Pairs Tournament: A friendly event allowing participants to connect and enjoy the game in a relaxed, informal setting.
  • Main Competition: The AP | PCU Bridge Trophy matches will follow in the coming days, with teams competing in multiple rounds to secure the championship title.

Venue Details

All events, including the opening ceremony, tournament rounds, and final competition, will take place at:

AP University of Applied Sciences & Arts
Campus Lange Nieuwstraat
Lange Nieuwstraat 101, B-2000 Antwerp (Antwerp District, Old City Center)

Nestled in Antwerp’s historic city center, AP University offers an ideal setting for this event, blending modern facilities with a deep-rooted sense of tradition. Participants and guests will have the chance to explore the rich cultural backdrop of Antwerp, enhancing the international experience.

A Celebration of Fair Play and Unity

Organized under the auspices of Panathlon International, the AP | PCU Bridge Trophy stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering fair play and global friendship. By uniting universities across borders, the tournament creates a platform that emphasizes universal values of respect and understanding.

We extend our warmest welcome to all participants, and wish them a successful and enjoyable tournament!

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TU Wien Joins the AP | PCU Bridge Trophy for the First Time – A Familiar Face Returns

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The Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien) is set to make its debut at the 2024 AP | PCU Bridge Trophy, marking the first appearance of the Austrian institution at this prestigious event. TU Wien will also field a delegation in the AP | PCU Chess Cup, held from November 22 to 24, showcasing their versatile participation in both bridge and chess competitions.

Austria’s largest research and educational institution in technology and natural sciences, TU Wien is known for its cutting-edge research and commitment to “technology for people.” With over 4,000 scientists across eight faculties, TU Wien pioneers advancements in five key research fields. Its programs, offered across 62 degree pathways, draw from this research excellence, benefiting more than 26,000 students. As an engine of innovation, TU Wien supports economic growth, fosters collaboration, and contributes to societal prosperity.

While new to the AP | PCU Bridge Trophy, TU Wien has a longstanding history with the PCU Committee. In 2007, it hosted the 9th IFIUS Games, which later evolved into today’s PCU Games in 2011.

The PCU Committee warmly welcomes TU Wien back to its sporting events and wishes them the best of luck in their competitions!

The AP | PCU Bridge Trophy Returns: A Premier International University Bridge Tournament Resumes After A One-Year Hiatus

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Antwerp, Belgium – After a one-year pause due to infrastructural challenges with the previous host, the renowned AP | PCU Bridge Trophy is back, promising an exciting weekend of competitive student bridge with focus on the key Panathlon values of Fair Play and Universal Friendship. AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp has stepped up as the new host, offering state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate participants and guests from across the world of Bridge, all in close cooperation with DUA, the student Bridge Club of the Antwerp metropolitan region.

This prestigious tournament, which brings together university bridge teams from the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, will officially kick off this Friday with the Opening Ceremony and a Welcome Pairs Tournament. Over the weekend, players will engage in a series of matches designed to test both strategic skill and teamwork, culminating in the awarding of the coveted Bridge Trophy.

The Bridge Trophy has long been a highlight for bridge-playing university students, providing a unique opportunity for them to compete internationally, network, and celebrate the timeless game of bridge. In the words of Gert Christens, AP Director Student Center, “Hosting the Bridge Trophy is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our commitment to both academic excellence and the fostering of intercultural connections through sports and intellectual pursuits.”

Following this year’s revival, the tournament is anticipated to return as an annual tradition, growing in reach and reputation. To ensure participants and supporters stay informed, the official website will be updated tomorrow with detailed tournament information, including schedules and participant lists.

With its return, the AP | PCU Bridge Trophy reinforces its legacy as a premier university-level bridge competition internationally, promoting not only skill and sportsmanship but also intercultural exchange among students. As the countdown begins, excitement builds for what promises to be a memorable and fiercely competitive weekend in Antwerp.

AP | PCU Contests at Panathlon evening with Cedric Van Branteghem

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During a successful Panathlon evening at the old Abbey in Drongen, the AP | PCU Drawing and Photo Contests added a unique artistic dimension to the event. On October 23, Panathlon Vlaanderen organized the evening, featuring a keynote speech by Belgian Olympic & Interfederal Committee’s CEO Cedric Van Branteghem.

Guests had the chance to admire the exposition, featuring student artworks devoted to the theme of Fair Play in University Sport. Chairman Willy Pennoit welcomed numerous members and a diverse audience, including new faces and past presidents of Panathlon Brussels and Panathlon Ghent, and past members of the International Board. Guests included Paralympic champion Pascal Cornelis and young Olympian Luka Van den Keybus (Paris 2024 gymnastics).

Paul Standaert, President of Panathlon Belgium, highlighted Cedric Van Branteghem’s involvement in establishing Panathlon International’s antenna in Brussels and his ambassador role for Fair Play.

CEO Cedric Van Branteghem provided an insightful review of his sports and management career, focusing on his current responsibilities and the strategic direction of the BOIC.

Looking ahead, the next AP | PCU Drawing and Photo Contests will be held at AP University of Applied Sciences in Antwerp. The expositions will run 8-10 & 22-24 November 2024 during AP | PCU Bridge and Chess events.

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