(17.07.2025) World University Games
Impressive start to the World University Games 2025 - Bochum University Sports at the Open Ceremony in Duisburg
Over 20,000 enthusiastic spectators attended the sold-out opening ceremony of the FISU World University Games 2025 in Duisburg's Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena. The biggest international multi-sport event for students kicked off with an impressive show. Ruhr-Universität Bochum's university sports team was also on site in the run-up to the official celebrations.
Pre-event of the university sports facilities
In the afternoon, the RUB team met with other university sports facilities from Essen, Wuppertal, Düsseldorf, Hanover, Münster, Cologne, Dortmund and Duisburg-Essen for a pre-event. The event was organized by Duisburg-Essen University Sports and hosted by the Wedau Athletics Club. The aim was to encourage collegial exchange and sporting networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Despite the rainy weather, the atmosphere was relaxed with cool drinks, barbecue and music. People laughed, danced and exchanged ideas about projects and perspectives in university sport.
Among the guests were also high-ranking representatives of the German University Sports Association (adh): the Chairman of the Board Jörg Förster, Secretary General Benjamin Schenk and Ines Lenze, Head of Delegation of Team Germany at the World University Games and also Head of the RUB University Sports Department.
Together, the team made their way to the arena in the early evening. The weather improved just in time for the opening ceremony - the first rays of sunshine broke through the dense cloud cover. An extensive supporting program with merchandise stands as well as food and drinks awaited the visitors in front of the stadium.
Start of the opening ceremony
The festive ceremony began at 8:15 p.m. with a rousing stage show that impressively showcased the past, present and future of the Ruhr region - from historical images of coal mining and the Steigerlied to elaborate light installations and modern productions. With musical accompaniment from the WDR Funkhausorchester and support from local artists such as Ayliva, Montez and Querbeat, classical and modern music merged to create an emotional overall picture. Hundreds of dancers created an impressive visual experience with large-scale choreographies.
Run-in of the athletes
A special highlight was the ceremonial entry of the delegations: 305 athletes from over 106 nations proudly presented their national flags and traditional clothing. Germany was accompanied by prominent representatives of university sport, including Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kim Bui, Sonja Greinacher, Britta Heidemann, Sarah Wellbrock, Max Hartung, Mathias Mester, Alexander Wieczerzak and Karla Borger - all of whom were representative of the diversity, inclusion and performance of German university sport.
Closing of the opening ceremony
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was provided by former Olympic champion and Universiade gold medal winner Heide Ecker-Rosendahl. She carried the torch into the arena and handed it over to national player Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), who, together with six outstanding athletes mentioned above, passed the fire to six monumental fire towers - a highly symbolic conclusion to a moving opening ceremony.
