Hundreds of athletes have arrived in Tampere – first day of European Masters Games 2023

The first day of the 2023 European Masters Games (26.6.) started off with the judo competition in Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre.

The atmosphere was already buzzing from the morning, as the day started with the weigh-ins. The European Masters Games 2023 ambassador, judo veteran world champion Pasi Laurén, was also present at the mat: “The day was a success. It was nice to be able to fight in a slightly heavier division. The atmosphere is always good at the Masters. On the mat you fight your opponent to the hilt, and otherwise you get to know each other and spend time together as friends.”

See the Judo results here.

At the Ratina Games Center, registration was busy all day, with hundreds of athletes being accredited for the event. Among others, the “British Army”, a sports team made up of people working in the British Army, arrived in Tampere from Great Britain on Air Baltic. The team has been touring the Masters competitions all over the world for many years.

The British team is mostly looking forward to experiencing the Masters Games sense of community and encounters with different nationalities and athletes. “The great thing about this competition is that you don’t necessarily know beforehand what kind of opponent you’re going to face on the pitch,” said Kev Haley from British Army.

The team arrived in Finland for the first time and are excited to experience everything that Tampere has to offer, both sporting and non-sporting.

OPENING CEREMONY on Tuesday 27.6.2023

The competition will officially open on Tuesday with a spectacular opening ceremony. The ceremony will start at the Central Square (Keskustori), from where a parade of athletes and other participants will march towards the Ratina Stadium. There, the European Masters Games 2023 event will be officially declared open by the IMGA president, former pole vault World Record holder, Sergey Bubka and the EMG2023 host Kaj Kunnas. A cappella ensemble Rajaton, dance group Lunddance, and acrobatic group Akkron Taika, will also be taking the stage.

The opening ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 27th with free entry for the EMG2023 participants and all the sports fans.

Date: Tuesday 27.6.
Location: Central Square (Keskustori) & Ratina Stadium
Time: 18:00 Athletes and supporters at Keskustori
- Parade start 18:30
- Opening Ceremony at Ratina Stadium starts 19:00