FISU President Leonz Eder and Secretary General and CEO Eric Saintrond attended the EUSA Conference on 16 November as well as the gala dinner in the evening. FISU awarded EUSA for the outstanding cooperation and support between the two entities.
Over 150 participants from all over Europe, as well as guests from visiting countries and continents, were in attendance at the event, held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the European University Sport Association.
The conference was opened with welcoming words both in person and via video messages, by Adam Roczek, EUSA President; Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research; Nikolaus Hautsch, Vice-Rector of the University of Vienna; Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation; and Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees.
First to open the content part of the Conference was Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General, who in a #BeActive way while cycling reminisced about the journey of EUSA and highlighted each of the past 25 years of work, success, milestones, and achievements.
The conference hosted the first insightful roundtable on the topic of Sport has the power to change the world: University Sports between mission and reality, moderated by EUSA Honorary Member, Lorenz Ursprung. The round table invited experienced and enthusiastic speakers, such as Adam Roczek, EUSA President; Leonz Eder, FISU President; Filipa Godinho, Pro-Rector of the University of Coimbra; Michael Wiederer, President of the European Handball Federation; and Nikolaus Hautsch, Vice-Rector of the University of Vienna, all sharing numerous viewpoints and observations of the role of sport in changing the world.
With EUSA Annual Awards, special attention is given to the associations, universities, and individuals who stood out above the rest for their participation, success, and extraordinary efforts during the 2023 European Universities Championships, awarding them for their outstanding achievements.
- Most Active National University Sports Association: German University Sports Federation, ADH
- Most Successful National University Sports Association: French University Sports Federation
- Best University: University of Zagreb
- Most Active University: University of Zagreb
- Enno Harms Fair Play Award: Women’s futsal team of the University of Coimbra
Black ties, waltzes and more awards
Vienna is not just any venue for EUSA’s celebrations. Founded in this very city in 1999, it embodies the organisation’s history, making it the perfect stage for this momentous occasion. This special occasion was held in the heart of Vienna, the city where it all started, hosted by the Austrian University Sports Organisation and the University of Vienna.
The Vienna Opera Ball Orchestra offered beautiful music that was accompanied by a dance performance from the Svabek Dance School.
EUSA presented special appreciation awards to local institutions and individuals who significantly contributed to the development and growth of the organisation, as well as awarding an Order of Merit. Two EUSA Orders of Merit were given that evening. The first to President of the Estonian Academic Sports Association from 2005 to 2024 Ants Veetousme and the second was awarded posthumously to Yevgeniy Imas.
The 25th anniversary award dedicated to the National University Sports Association for its outstanding contribution to the development of university sports and fruitful collaboration over the years went to the Swiss University Sports.
For its longstanding partnership and great contribution to the growth of university sports, EUSA awarded the European Handball Federation. The EUSA Honorary Member Award went to Peter George his key role in the inaugural European Universities Basketball Championship in 2001, as well as for his direct involvement in the many EUSA Championships and Games over the years.
And them it was time for EUSA to receive an award, presented by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for outstanding cooperation and support between the two entities.
