Coimbra Wins Gold at the International Erasmus Games 2025
From May 29th to June 1st, a delegation of 20 mobility students and volunteers from ESN Coimbra proudly represented Portugal at the International Erasmus Games (IEG) 2025, held in Milan, Italy. Bringing together over 300 participants from 13 countries, the IEG is the flagship health and well-being event of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), promoting inclusion, diversity, and international friendship through sport.
Coimbra’s presence at the IEG was the result of its outstanding performance at the Erasmus National Games (ENG), which took place in November 2024 — also hosted in Coimbra. There, the city’s teams won gold in volleyball and football, securing their place to represent Portugal in Milan.
The highlight of the event was Coimbra’s volleyball team, which claimed first place, making them European Erasmus Champions in the sport. The football team, equally composed of exchange students from the University of Coimbra, achieved a strong 4th place finish, standing out in a highly competitive field.
The athletes from Coimbra came from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, including Argentina, Belarus, Czech Republic, Greece, Iran, Italy and Spain, embodying the multiculturalism that defines the mobility experience of Coimbra.
Some of the athletes were also active players in the official sports teams of the Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC), underlining how mobility and local student integration can go hand-in-hand through sport. Their dual involvement highlights Coimbra’s role as a key hub for international youth development and competitive university sports.
At the IEG, the teams were accompanied by 2 ESN Coimbra volunteers who provided logistical, emotional and communication support throughout the event.
“An Undefeated Path to Victory”
The volleyball team from Coimbra remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing both resilience and talent in every match. The final game was a nail-biter, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats with intense rallies, strategic plays, and remarkable teamwork. In the end, Coimbra emerged victorious, securing the gold medal and proudly raising the Portuguese flag on the European stage.
"It is still hard to believe how we made the whole road from gathering a team in Coimbra to becoming European Champions!” said Yauheni Budzko, the team captain. “But it’s not only about playing and winning. For me it’s more about us - the people. There was only one chance of us having such a great time together and we took it."
You can relive the excitement by watching the livestream of the final match here: IEG 2025 Volleyball Final – Portugal vs. PoliMi
“More Than A Tournament”
The IEG is not just a sports event. It is a celebration of the Erasmus+ programme values: inclusion, intercultural dialogue, healthy lifestyles, and youth empowerment. During their time in Milan, students from all over the world connected beyond borders — cheering for each other, learning from each other, and competing with integrity. ESN Coimbra is proud to have taken part in this extraordinary edition of the IEG and remains committed to promoting sport, youth participation and integration.
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