Our students to compete in the Baltic Volleyball League as part of Robežsardze/RSU
Writer: Ilze Āķe-Vīksne, RSU Public Relations Unit
Photo: Courtesy of RSU
Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement with the Baltic Volleyball League team Robežsardze/Rīga. According to the agreement, the team will henceforth compete under the name Robežsardze/RSU, while the RSU men’s volleyball team will serve as the Robežsardze/RSU farm club, competing in the Latvian National Volleyball League.
The agreement was signed at a formal event by RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons and the club’s head coach, Olympic silver medallist Raimonds Vilde. The event was also attended by General Guntis Pujāts, Chief of the State Border Guard; Arnis Tunte, President of the Latvian Volleyball Federation; RSU Acting Vice-Rector Klāvs Indriksons; Vice-Rector Agrita Kiopa; and RSU Sports Club Manager Laura Ritova.
‘This is a historically significant agreement that will open up opportunities for students from RSU to play on a team in the Baltic League while pursuing their studies. RSU joining the Robežsardze/Rīga team is a solid step toward the development of university sports,’
emphasised Prof. Pētersons.
Meanwhile, General Guntis Pujāts said that the ‘State Border Guard has been supporting volleyball for over ten years. The cooperation that has been established with RSU is a step towards the future for young volleyball talents to grow while obtaining an education at the same time. Strong sports teams are necessary not only for Latvian sports but also for the country as a whole, as they help shape healthy, strong, and motivated people.’
With this agreement, the RSU men’s volleyball team becomes the Robežsardze/RSU farm club, and the cooperation sets a long-term goal that within five seasons, at least six RSU students should be playing in the starting lineup of the Baltic League team. RSU, in turn, will provide support to student-athletes through scholarships, covering tuition fees, and providing training infrastructure, while the club will ensure the professional development of coaches and players, training and organising games.
The agreement has been concluded for a period of five years, with the possibility of extending the cooperation.
