New University Sports Centre officially opened: more than a sports building

Published on 14 April 2026

Sport brings people together. This became clear on 9 April during the official opening of the new University Sports Centre. In a varied programme with live sports acts and even a basketball session with an Olympic champion, sport, history and human connection came together in a building designed for the future.

The afternoon was hosted by Olympic water polo champion Iefke van Belkum, who led discussions with various guests on sport, performance and the role of the USC within the university community and beyond. Among those present were Olympic basketball champion Arvin Slagter, Leiden alderman Wietske Veltman, Director Real Estate Chris Suijker and Vice President of Leiden University's Executive Board Timo Kos.

Olympic basketball champion Arvin Slagter

Basketball session with an Olympic champion

One of the most lively moments of the programme was an interactive basketball session with Arvin Slagter. Visitors were invited to take a basketball shot themselves, alongside the Olympic champion.

During the opening, a section of the old sports floor from the former sports centre was unveiled. The floor symbolises generations of students and staff who have trained and played sports here, linking the USC’s past with the future of student sport. ‘By honouring the past, space is created to move confidently into the future’, said host Iefke van Belkum.

Dance instructor Kunika Wakamatsu delivered an aerial acrobatics performance

Sport and movement in many forms

A series of live performances highlighted the diversity of sport and movement within the USC. Kunika Wakamatsu, dance instructor at the USC, delivered an impressive aerial acrobatics performance. Matthijs Valten and Julia Pols from student dance association Leidance presented an energetic Latin dance routine, while the USC cheerleaders added extra dynamism and atmosphere.

Visitors could also walk along a specially designed wall displaying a timeline of Leiden’s student sport history. This visual route illustrated how sport has played a central role in student life and the university for decades.

More than a sports building

With the opening of the new University Sports Centre, Leiden University now offers more than modern sports facilities alone. The USC is a place where students and staff come together, where there is room for both relaxation and performance, and where sport contributes to wellbeing and a strong sense of connection within the university community.