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Ceremonies

Opening Ceremony

The Official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 10 April 2026 in Sharm El Sheikh and will serve as the formal commencement of the FISU World University Championship Finswimming.

The ceremony will be a vibrant celebration of global university spirit, blending cultural displays from the host nation of Egypt with the formal protocols of FISU. It will feature artistic performances, official speeches by FISU and organizing committee dignitaries, and the traditional Parade of Nations, where athletes and officials parade behind their national flags.

The symbolic highlights of the event will be the raising of the FISU flag to the sound of the FISU anthem, “Gaudeamus Igitur”, and the taking of the oath of fair play by an athlete and official. The ceremony will culminate with a formal declaration opening the Championship, officially launching the start of the competitions.

Medal Ceremonies

Awarding Ceremonies: Location & Logic

The victory ceremonies for the FISU World University Championship Finswimming 2026 will be held poolside immediately following the conclusion of each event’s final.

Location Logic

Holding the ceremonies directly beside the competition pool is standard practice. It allows for:

Immediate Recognition: Athletes are celebrated while the effort and excitement of their race are still fresh.

Audience Engagement: Spectators in the stands remain engaged and can share in the champions’ moments of triumph.

Operational Efficiency: It provides a seamless flow from the race conclusion to the ceremony without requiring athletes to move to a different venue.

Ceremony Logic

The structure follows a strict protocol to ensure consistency and dignity:

Timing: Shortly after the final results are confirmed, the medalists are escorted to the ceremony area.

The Podium: A three-level podium is used, with the gold medalist on the highest central platform.

Medals & Gifts: Designated officials present the medals (gold, silver, bronze) and any official commemorative gifts.

Flags & Anthem: The national flags of the three medalists are raised. The FISU anthem, “Gaudeamus Igitur” is played in full for the gold medalist(s).

Closing Ceremony & Closing Party

Closing Ceremony

The Official Closing Ceremony of the FISU World University Championship Finswimming 2026 will be held on the final day of competition, 11 April 2026.

Location & Logic

The ceremony will take place at the Old Vic Resort, the official accommodation venue for the championship. This location was chosen to enhance participant convenience and foster a strong sense of community.

Holding the ceremony at the resort:

  • Maximizes Attendance: Allows easy access for all athletes and team officials, encouraging full participation without the need for additional transportation after a long competition day.
  • Creates an Intimate Atmosphere: Provides a more relaxed and celebratory environment to reflect on the achievements of the event.
  • Facilitates a Seamless Transition: Enables a direct and smooth transition from the formal protocol to any subsequent farewell social events organized by the OC.

Format

The ceremony will follow the formal FISU protocol, featuring speeches, the lowering of the FISU flag, and the official handover if applicable, formally marking the conclusion of the championship.

Closing Party

The Organising Committee (OC) will host a farewell party at the Old Vic Resort immediately following the formal ceremony. This event is designed to allow all participants to celebrate the end of the championship in a festive and social atmosphere, promoting friendship and cultural exchange among the delegations.