The Federação Académica do Desporto Universitário (FADU Portugal) marked the occasion with a special event held at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA) in Barcelos.
FADU’s 35th anniversary brought together key figures from the national and international university sports community, academic leaders, and institutional representatives for a day dedicated to reflecting on the future of university sports and recognising FADU’s legacy.
The opening session featured notable attendees, including Ricardo Nora, President of FADU Portugal; Carlos Eduardo dos Reis, Councilor of Barcelos City Hall; Maria José Fernandes, President of IPCA; João Salazar, President of IPCA’s Academic Association; and Pedro Dias, Secretary of State for Sports in Portugal.
The event continued with two insightful conferences on the future of university sports. The first, “Innovation and the Future of University Sports”, welcomed distinguished panellists with Leonz Eder, President of FISU; Adam Roczek, President of the European University Sports Association, and Pedro Dias, Secretary of State for Sport.
In the afternoon, the discussion shifted to “The Impact of Megatrends on Sport and the Role of Higher Education”, with contributions from Paulo Jorge Ferreira, President of CRUP (Council of Portuguese University Rectors); Carolina Vila-Chã, Director of the IPCA School of Sports; and Victor Pardal, National Coordinator of UAARE (High Performance Support Units at School and University in Portugal).
Showcasing sport management in higher education
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the book “Sport Management in Higher Education Institutions: A Project to Build” by FISU Deputy Secretary General, Fernando Parente. This publication focuses on sports governance in academic institutions and aligns with the mission of promoting excellence in university sports management, serving as a practical guide.
(Fernando Parente, in the centre, accompanied by Ricardo Nora (President of FADU) and Pedro Dias (Secretaries of State) who signed the opening note of the book and preface, respectively.)
Celebratory gala dinner and recognitions
The evening festivities culminated with a 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Quinta da Pia, Barcelos. Hosted by Ricardo Nora, the gathering provided an opportunity for university sports leaders, athletes, institutional partners, and special guests to celebrate FADU Portugal’s journey.
Honouring legacy and international collaboration
FADU Portugal President Ricardo Nora delivered an opening speech reflecting on the federation’s evolution and took the occasion to introduce Universiade (2011) and Olympic (2020) medallist Patrícia Mamona, Portugal’s Olympic triple jumper, as the Head of Mission for Team Portugal at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.
The evening also honoured international collaborations, with a segment of the documentary highlighting FADU’s growth during the 2000s and 2010s. Special recognition was given to EUSA and FISU for their contributions to the development of FADU, with Adam Roczek and Leonz Eder taking part in an on-stage conversation about the impact and joint work of FISU and EUSA with FADU.
A tribute to leaders and a vision for the future
A significant moment of the evening was the presentation of the Honoris Causa Award to Pedro Dias (current Secretary of State for Sport of Portugal and former Member of the FISU Executive Committee (1996-2011) for his longstanding contributions to university sports in Portugal. This tribute was accompanied by a video featuring testimonials from former FADU presidents.
The final segment of the documentary, screened during dessert, focused on FADU’s journey from 2020 onwards and the challenges ahead. The night concluded with the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday” and the cutting of the anniversary cake, with past and present FADU presidents joining on stage for this symbolic act.
FISU’s enduring support for FADU Portugal
FISU proudly recognised the role of FADU Portugal in shaping the landscape of university sports, both nationally and internationally. The event highlighted FADU’s achievements while setting the stage for future innovations in university sports management. As FADU embarks on the next chapter, FISU remains a committed partner in fostering student-athlete development and strengthening the global university sports movement.
Since its foundation, FADU has organised 16 World University Championships, 21 European University Championships, the 2018 European University Games, the FISU Forum 2004, EUSA Symposium 2005, as well as the EUSA General Assembly in 2013 and 2019 and the EUSA Conference and Gala in 2013, 2017 and 2019.
(Leonz Eder delivering a commemorative plaque on behalf of FISU to FADU President Ricardo Nora).
Text and photos provided by FADU
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