EUSA held its General Assembly from 9-12 October in Zagreb, during which a new Executive Committee for 2025-2029 was elected and Eric Saintrond, FISU’s former Secretary General and CEO received an Order of Merit.
The members of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) as well as distinguished guests, partners, as well as representatives from FISU and the FISU Continental Federations gathered in person for the 2025 electoral General Assembly. The event provided an opportunity for member representatives from 36 countries to engage directly in the election of the new Executive Committee and to discuss the organisation’s strategic priorities for the 2025 – 2029 term.
FISU representatives, President Leonz Eder and EC Member and Secretary General of the Federation of Africa University Sports Peninnah Kabenge Aligawesa, highlighting the global collaboration and spirit of university sport during the opening greetings.
FISU President Leonz Eder and Matthias Remund, FISU Secretary General, presented tokens of appreciation and long-term partnership to both the European University Sports Association and the Croatian Academic Sports Federation. Additionally, video messages were shared by Alim Maluf Neto, President of FISU America; Liu Lixin, President of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF); and David Schmude, President of FISU Oceania.
Adam Roczek named Honorary President
Following the Assembly’s approval of the proposal for outgoing Executive Committee members, the title of Honorary President was conferred upon Adam Roczek, in recognition of his visionary leadership and dedication to European university sports during his tenure as EUSA President from 2012 to 2025.
Smooth elections
The elections took place the following day. The positions of President and Treasurer were unanimously elected by acclamation, having one candidate for each position.
Haris Pavletic (CRO), previously serving as the 1st Vice-President, was elected as EUSA’s new President. With extensive experience in university sports, Pavletic is expected to provide strong leadership and strategic direction, helping the organisation continue its growth and development. His election represents a new chapter for EUSA, bringing fresh perspectives to its governance.
Bruno Barracosa (POR) was elected 1st Vice-President.
Francis M.M. Cirianni (ITA) was re-elected as Treasurer
Julia Zlatkova Petrova (BUL) was elected as Student Representative.
The newly elected members of the Executive Committee also include:
• Hemma Angerer (AUT)
• Aitor Canibe Sanchez (ESP)
• Indre Celkiene (LTU)
• Andreas Csonka (SUI)
• Ivana Ertlova (CZE)
• Nino Gigineishvili (GEO)
• Yngvild Larsen Schei (NOR)
• Piotr Marszal (POL)
• Zoltan Rakaczki (HUN)
• Cedric Terret (FRA)
• Bill Thompson (GBR)
The Assembly also elected two Auditors, re-electing Hovhannes Gabrielyan (ARM) and Liviu Marian Matac (ROU), with Matjaz Pecovnik (SLO) in the position of Secretary General.
The evening before, the remarkable achievements and dedication of the university sports community were celebrated during the 2024 EUSA Annual Awards and Gala Dinner.
During the event, three Orders of Merit were awarded to three distinguished contributors to the university sports community. First Order of Merit was given to Hemma Angerer, President of Unisport Austria, honouring her dedicated efforts in organising the EUSA 25th Anniversary Gala.
The Hungarian University Sports Federation and its President Lajos Mocsai, received the Order of Merit for the exceptional organisation of the EUSA Games 2024, which set new standards of excellence and inclusion.
The third Order of Merit was awarded to FISU former Secretary General and CEO Eric Saintrond for his lifelong commitment to the international university sports movement. The award was presented by EUSA President Adam Roczek to Eric Saintrond, in the presence of FISU President Leonz Eder.
The Award of Honorary President was presented to Adam Roczek, following the Assembly’s approval of the proposal for outgoing Executive Committee members. The recognition celebrates his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and lasting contribution to European university sports during his mandates as EUSA President from 2012 to 2025.
Tokens of Appreciation were also presented to EUSA President Adam Roczek as a gesture of deep respect and gratitude for his exceptional leadership and enduring contribution to European university sport. The presentations were made by FISU President Leonz Eder, CASF President Haris Pavletic, and European Fair Play Movement Vice President Robert Perc, symbolising the strong partnership, mutual recognition, and heartfelt appreciation shared across the international university sports community.
On the occasion of this General Assembly, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Mandrej Plenkovic held a reception attended by FISU President Leonz Eder, Haris Pavletic (before his election) as well as other EUSA and National University Sports Federations representatives, where the development and cooperation of University Sports in Croatia was discussed and well as the preparations European Universities Games in Split in 2028.
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