From 30th May to 2nd June, the last edition of the International Erasmus Games (IEG) took place in the city of Wrocław (Poland). More than 150 international students and volunteers from different parts of the Erasmus Student Network participated in this event, which focused on sports, health and well-being.
IEG is a pan-European health and well-being initiative of ESN. We unite exchange students from all over Europe to promote sports as a universal language, breaking all the barriers which separate the local and international communities of Europe and bringing together people from all backgrounds, nationalities and age groups under the motto of healthy competition.
This year’s edition was organised in the framework of the IEG25 project, which is coordinated by ESN Italy, and in which ESN International, ESN Poland, ESN Portugal and ESN Spain are partners, together with ISCA and Nova Sport. To properly kick off the IEG25 project, a conference was organised before the launch of the sports competition to present the project to the participants and stakeholders, stressing the importance of sport and volunteering during international mobilities.
As in previous editions, from the options available on the IEG Rulebook, three team sports (futsal, volleyball and basketball 3vs3) and a new individual sport (table tennis) were selected. The tournament format was divided into two different phases, group stage and playoff. In the group stage, all teams faced each other to determine their position in the playoff system, according to the results they obtained in different matches.
This competition format ensured that all teams and participants were able to reach the playoff stage, guaranteeing a great amount of matches for all participants.
This year, delegations from Poland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania and Switzerland took part in the event, with participants from all over the world. After an intense tournament with incredible moments and exciting matches, ESN Portugal won basketball and volleyball competitions, ESN Germany conquered the finals of futsal, and an ESN Darmstadt participant secured the title in the table tennis competition, being the first time a local section takes part in International Erasmus Games thanks to new regulations and thus making ESN Darmstadt the first section to win this competition as well.
"It was an amazing experience! Where the competition, the fun, the desire to play and the opportunities to get involved were on the same plane! IEG is where the sport unites people and everyone is a winner." - Maria Cuccato, participant of IEG Wroclaw 2024
Finally, the Organising Committee and event staff must be thanked for all the hard work done that made hosting this event possible. It was not an easy task, but in the end, they succeeded in completing it. This edition of IEG was a full success in terms of competition, execution and technological updates - all comprised in an event bringing together international students for a celebration of sport, culture, and well-being during student mobility.
As we close IEG 2024 Wrocław, we look forward to seeing you in Italy for IEG 2025!
Read more about the International Erasmus Games here.
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