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First-Ever Aurora Open a Smashing Success

Published:
2 July 2025
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Event location:
Universität Innsbruck

The Aurora Open 2025 made its debut this year, bringing together volleyball, and international student community-building. Hosted by Universität Innsbruck (UIBK) in collaboration with the Universitäts-Sportinstitut Innsbruck (USI) and Palacký University Olomouc, the event marked the beginning of what will hopefully become a valued tradition within Aurora.

A Vibrant Start

Aurora students from across Europe came together in Innsbruck for an unforgettable combination of academic engagement, sport, and cultural exchange. The event began with a relaxed and welcoming evening by the lake, offering students the chance to connect informally before the official start.

The following morning featured interactive sessions at UIBK, featuring exchanges between the Aurora Student Council. The conference continued at the USI Sports Campus with a keynote lecture on Health & Well-Being: The Role of Sports & Mental Health, exploring the vital connection between physical activity and mental resilience in student life.

In the evening, participants joined the UIBK Summer Festival, a yearly celebration with live music, food trucks, games, and plenty of opportunities to meet, network, and enjoy the summer atmosphere.

   
Students from Aurora universities experienced formal and informal opportunities of learning and intercultural exchange

Sport, Collaboration, and International Spirit

On 27 and 28 June, the Aurora Open continued with two full days of Beach Volleyball Tournaments, offering an exciting and active component to the programme. Alongside the matches, students also took part in the Peer Learning Activity entitled “Together We Learn, Together We Rise”, facilitated by the Aurora Student Council. The session highlighted Aurora’s philosophy of peer learning as a tool for international community building.

The tournament itself was designed to celebrate Aurora’s dedication to Health & Wellbeing and fosters teamwork and international engagement. Students competed with great spirit and sportsmanship, forming connections that extended well beyond the games.

The tournament featured teams from five Aurora universities:

Evenings were dedicated to the social programme, including a relaxed burger party where students and organizers came together to celebrate the end of the academic year, and the successful first edition of the Aurora Open.

Beach volleyball tournament continued over two days against the beautiful backdrop of the Tyrolian mountains.

And the Winners Are…

After two exciting days of competition under the intense Innsbruck sun, the beach volleyball tournament concluded. The final results showed the diversity of the Aurora student community, but above all emphasized the unifying power of sports.


Aurora Open beach volleyball competition players from Aurora universities

In the Women’s tournament, the results were as follows:

  • 1st Place: Czech it Out!, Palacký University Olomouc
  • 2nd Place: Jamonas, Universitat Rovira i Virgili
  • 3rd Place: Die Unselleriösen, Universität Innsbruck

In the Men’s tournament, the winners were:

  • 1st Place: Team URV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili
  • 2nd Place: JBG, Universität Innsbruck
  • 3rd Place: Bananenflanken, Universität Innsbruck

The level of play, and fair-play across all matches was truly impressive. Thanks and congratulations go out to all the teams for their commitment, energy, and collaboration throughout the event, which will hopefully be the first of many more Aurora sports events to come.

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