The International Day of University Sport (IDUS), proclaimed and endorsed by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU) was celebrated all around the world on September 20.

In Europe, the IDUS celebrations were this year also linked to the European Week of Sport (EWOS), which takes place between September 23 and 30.

With an active cycling activity, #BeActive run during the occation of EUSA Convention and EUSA-FISU Seminar, as well as with individual sporting activities, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) made an extended celebration to these two initiatives engaging members of the Executive Committee, EUSA Staff and EUSA events participants, representatives of Member Federations, FISU repsentatives and other partners.

The celebrations of the #LetsIdus International Day of University Sport and the #BeActive European Week of Sport were also made throughout Europe by EUSA members, universities, and students.

Here is a short insight to some of the diverse activities throughout Europe:

Albania & Kosovo

The Albanian University Sports Federation successfully celebrated the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) as well as the “Be Active” initiative with a special Hiking Event in Valbona Valley, Albania. This event was organized in close collaboration with the Kosovo University Sports Federation.

The event brought together around 50 participants, including students, university staff, and sports enthusiasts from both countries. Throughout the day, participants enjoyed not only the natural beauty of the Valbona Valley but also the opportunity to engage in discussions on the importance of physical activity, mental well-being, and the vital role sports play in fostering friendships. The hike concluded with a series of interactive activities, where participants exchanged ideas and experiences, making this a memorable and enriching occasion for everyone involved.

Austria 

The International Day of University Sport 2024 was another opportunity to present university sport to the Austrian population. Together with the University Sports Institute of the University of Vienna, Unisport Austria had a pagoda and a hands-on station at Heldenplatz. The Day of Sport is a place of encounter and movement and the largest open-air sports festival in Europe. In the spirit of the IDUS, USI Salzburg took part in the CIVIS Days 2024, where stakeholders from all over Europe came together to shape the future of academic cooperation in the European Higher Education Area. This included two morning runs with a running guide and a morning yoga session on the roof terrace of the Unipark, which participants from the various participating universities took advantage of. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Green Office of the University of Innsbruck, the re-use network “NOAMOL” and the eco-artist Maria Eugenia Aldinucci from “Brotstudio”, the impressive collection of sports balls, tires, mats and much more was handed over on 20 September. It will now be professionally modified, repaired and recycled in line with a sustainable approach.

Croatia 

Together with members, Croatian Academic Sports Federation actively participated in the celebration of IDUS, organizing sports and educational programs throughout the country. Cities such as Vukovar, Zadar, Rijeka, Split and Zagreb hosted various sporting events. Activities varied from 3x3 basketball tournaments, beach volleyball, to interesting workshops such as hiking tours and yoga. In Vukovar, for example, students competed in futsal and basketball, while Zagreb and Rijeka organized a wide range of activities, including tournaments, bicycle tours, dunk competitions and taqball. A special event in recent years was the EU-CONEXUS University Games in Zadar, where students from seven European countries competed in volleyball, futsal and basketball.

Cyprus:

Cyprus University Sports Federation created something a simple Zumba session to promote university sports, celebrate IDUS and lots of people to celebrate it with. The event brought together students from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and encouraging active lifestyles. With vibrant music pumping and a dynamic instructor leading the way, participants quickly let go of their stress and embraced the energy of the dance workout.
The session highlighted the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being, and teamwork, aligning perfectly with the day’s theme of inclusivity in sports.  Overall, the Zumba session not only showcased the university’s commitment to promoting sports but also created lasting memories and friendships among participants, reinforcing the idea that fitness can be fun and unifying.

Czechia 

Various sports and cultural activities were conducted among the 76 member university clubs. These events were part of the overall celebrations of the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) held at universities and higher vocational schools across the country.

Estonia 

On September 20 the International Student Sports Federation (FISU) has invited its members and like-minded people from around the world to raise awareness among the student body about the importance of sport.

For the fifth year in a row, the Estonian Academic Sports Association, in cooperation with the Academic Sports Club of the University of Tartu, organized the popular miniYliPalli, where almost 100 participants gathered. Furthermore, the students had the opportunity to play 3x3 basketball, blind volleyball and roundnet.

Finland 

The Finnish student sport federation organized an online meeting of the University on the Move Network, about the inculcation of physical activity as part of the university’s strategic activities.

During the #BeActive theme weeks from 20 September to 4 October, the OLL encouraged students to take a look at their exercise habits and study ability with an online test which 400 participants took part in. During the theme weeks, the Finnish Student Sports Federation took part in three campaigns: Liikkumalla työkykyä nyt” campaign (“Better work ability through exercise”), the Make a move campaign by the public administration, and the Active nation and people cooperation promoted by the Olympic Committee and other parties.

France

On the occasion of IDUS, the French University Sport Federation organized the third edition of a cleaning race called “Challenge U’Sport Planète” that took place from September 20th to October 19th. The goal was to reach 800 000 km across France while collecting trash, to give 10 000€ to 10 students associations for environmental protection. This year, the challenge was a success since 8102 runners participated in it and they covered 825 000 km collecting over 87 000 waste products. 

Germany

In the occasion of the International Day of University Sports (IDUS), the German University Sports Federation organized for the fifth time a 60 minutes race called #adhhochschullauf. 

The participation was opened to any student, employee or alumnus of an adh member university.

Hungary

The Hungarian University Sports Federation (MEFS) also took part in the IDUS celebrations all over the country. 

University of Szeged is one of many examples of successful events held on this occasion. On September 25, participants could try out a variety of sports activities, including table tennis, indoor climbing and body art classes. Another special part of the event were competitions between university faculties, where students competed in 4x4 mix basketball, mix volleyball and relay run.
The event, marked with the motto “BeActive”, focused not only on sports, but also on community building and contribution to long-term health promotion for students, teachere, researchers and employees.

Italy

On the International Day of University Sports (and the celebration of 75 years of FISU) the Italian University Sport Federation interviewed a former athlete Filippo Corti and current athlete Giulia D'Innocenzo who shared their experiences and favorite moments regarding international university sports.

Latvia:

The Latvian University Sports Federation celebrated IDUS with organizing Latvian University games in Basketball competitions. 4 best Latvian basketball teams was playing and fighting with each other to find out the best team in Latvia in this 2024./2025. season. This IDUS event will give opportunity for winners - be as a base team for 32.FISU World Summer Games in Rhine-Ruhr 2025. This event saw the participation of 4 Universitie and 72 athletes.

Montenegro:

On the International Day of University Sports, the Students Sports Association of Montenegro organized an invigorating hike to Pešića Lake, located in one of the largest cirques of Bjelasica. The day began at the ski center, where participants gathered for a complimentary gondola ride to the summit of Troglav. Once at the top, the group embarked on a scenic three-hour hike, reaching the shores of Pešića Lake.

In a separate event, they also hosted a padel competition, providing students an opportunity to showcase their skills on the court.

Netherlands:

The Student Sports Association the Netherlands celebrated IDUS and EWOS mainly with online posts and recap of their participation in sports events and inviting people to #beactive through sharing potential sporting activities. 

Poland

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Cooper Test was held at 15 locations across Poland, including four in the capital city, Warsaw. This popular fitness challenge invites participants to cover as much distance as possible within a 12-minute timeframe. Whether running, walking, or jogging, everyone is encouraged to stay on foot and push their limits. This year’s autumn edition was part of the European Week of Sport Celebration and, despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, attracted 220 enthusiastic participants only in Mokotów, Warsaw. The event successfully united individuals of all ages, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among fitness enthusiasts.

Portugal 

On September 21, the Federação Académica do Desporto Universitário (FADU) Portugal celebrated the International Day of University Sports (IDUS). The day began with a kayaking event on the Mondego River, attracting around 40 participants in a spirit of camaraderie and sporting challenge. In the afternoon, a debate took place as part of the II Congress of Portuguese Youth at the Convento de São Francisco in Coimbra, focusing on "The Role of Sports in the Educational System."

Slovakia:

Slovakia organizied various sport competitions across the country, at various universities. One particular IDUS celebration started in the capital, Bratislava, which universities (STU and UK) hosted Basketball and Volleyball student tournaments. The next day, celebration of university sport moved to Zvolen where students engaged in Ping-Pong tournament. Finally, the celebration moved to Slovakian nature for a nice hike.

Sweden

On September 20, the University of Uppsala celebrated the International Day of University Sports by hosting an open house event at @campus1477, inviting both new and returning students. The day featured a variety of activities, including volleyball and spikeball, and offered free entry. Nearly 100 participants joined in to celebrate student sports, enjoying a day dedicated to engaging in athletic activities.

Ukraine

The Sports Students' Union of Ukraine celebrated the International Day of Student Sports at Lutsk National Technical University on September 24, featuring various competitions for students and younger athletes. The event opened with a dance performance by first-year student Daryna Ivchenko, symbolizing the blend of sport and art. Participants enjoyed roller skating demonstrations, followed by intense volleyball and athletics competitions showcasing sportsmanship and team spirit. The day concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the winners, leaving everyone energized and motivated.

More information about the campaigns:
- International Day of University Sport: https://www.fisu.net/fisu/about-fisu/international-day-of-university-sport
- European Week of Sport: https://sport.ec.europa.eu/european-week-of-sport
- Healthy Lifestyle for All: https://sport.ec.europa.eu/healthylifestyle4all