Welcome Speech – Mayor of Koper Municipality

Dear students, welcome to Koper!

Balancing study commitments with the training necessary to achieve peak performance in sport is anything but easy. All of you taking part in the FISU World University Sport Climbing Championships are proving not only that this is possible, but also that it’s possible to excel in various fields.

By cultivating the values of hard work, discipline and perseverance, the prerequisites for success in sport and in life, you are also setting an excellent example for lots of young people. Come September, when our city will host the FISU championships, they will surely be following your exploits.

Koper is an ancient city, celebrating its 1,500th anniversary this year. But at the same time, it is looking to the future. The modern sport climbing infrastructure that includes an impressive climbing wall has put Koper on the world climbing map. The many high-profile competitions we have hosted at several world-class venues testify to the indispensable role that sport plays in our society.

I am delighted that we are expecting a record number of participants from more than 20 countries at this year’s championships in Koper. I wish you all the best and I hope you will take advantage of this event to meet other young athletes who share the same interests and values as you.

Best of luck to you all!

Aleš Bržan
Mayor of Koper Municipality