Opening Ceremony Officially Launches the 2026 FISU World University Championship Orienteering

The 2026 FISU World University Championship Orienteering was officially launched on 27 July with the Opening Ceremony, held on the outdoor stage of the Vila Real Municipal Theatre.

The ceremony brought together athletes, officials, volunteers, and guests to celebrate the beginning of the championship, which will see some of the world’s best university orienteers compete over the coming days.

The official session featured addresses by Diogo Braz, President of FADU Portugal, Mehmet Günay, Member of the FISU Executive Committee, and José Claudino, Vice-Mayor of Vila Real. In their remarks, the speakers welcomed the participating delegations and highlighted the importance of university sport in fostering excellence, international cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Over the next few days, Vila Real will host the championship’s competitions, welcoming leading universities and student-athletes from across the globe to compete in a demanding and exciting programme of events.

Hosting the championship further reinforces FISU’s confidence in FADU Portugal’s organisational capacity and represents another significant milestone in promoting Portuguese university sport on the international stage.