With festive academic atmosphere, on 7th of February the Croatian Academic Sports Federation celebrated UniSport Stars – the annual sport awards as well as the 30th jubilee birthday of the association.

The event where the awards for the most successful of the academic year 2022/2023 took place in Kockica, at the building of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Republic of Croatia.

This year, the Croatian Academic Sports Federation celebrates three decades of existence and dedicated activity as an umbrella sports association and the only national sports association responsible for academic sports in Croatia. Since its creation in 1994, CASF has become a key institution in promoting sports excellence, fair play, and physical activity among students throughout Croatia.

In one of the opening speeches of the event, Mr Haris Pavletic – President of CASF shared some fonding memories down the lane, pointing out that: "The Croatian Academic Sports Federation was founded in 1994, and I am sure that this beginning was not at all easy. Gathered by enthusiasts and a small number of universities, only faith and vision kept them going that the alliance would become what it is today, but we hope for much more. Today, the Croatian Academic Sports Federation counts over 100 competition days, competitions in 20 sports, and over 30,000 students involved in one of the forms of physical exercise that we organize. One of the main triggers for such numbers was certainly the European University Games Zagreb-Rijeka in 2016, which we fondly remember. This year we also have the greatest support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but we will find the right way to justify such support in the best possible way".

In addition to representatives of the academic community, the ceremony was attended by important guests from the political and sports community - the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović, the representative of the President of the Republic of Croatia and the Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac, the representative of the President of the Croatian Parliament and member of the Parliament Ante Bačić, the Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee Siniša Krajač, President of the Croatian Paralympic Committee Ratko Kovačić, President of the European University Sports Association Adam Roczek, President of the Board of Rectors and Rector of the University of Split Dragan Ljutić, Rector of the University of Zagreb Stjepan Lakušić and other distinguished rectors and deans, members of the Executive Committee of the World University Sports Federation Marko Žunić and Fernandno Parente, as well as numerous well-known Croatian athletes.

On behalf of EUSA, present at the awarding event were: EUSA President, Adam Roczek, EUSA Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Treasurer Francis Cirianni and EC Member Andreas Csonka.

The greatest growth and development has been experienced by the administration in the last 10 years, but apart from constant efforts to enable the participation of student-athletes in national and international university sports events, CASF has a rich history of organizing and hosting international sports events, among which the European University Games 2016 in Zagreb and Rijeka.

Besides the awards to the best individuals and teams of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, special acknowledgments and thanks are also given to the permanent partners and friends of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, who are largely responsible for such a successful 30th anniversary among which: the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, the European University Sports Association and the  International University Sports Federation (FISU).

​This significant anniversary therefore marks many years of contributions to the sports community and will be celebrated with a series of events throughout the year. In addition to the central event of the gala evening and the awarding of the best prize, rich sports competitions, the spectacular national UniSport Finals, conferences and projects that will bring together all stakeholders in the academic and sports community, are also planned.

The European University Sports Association (EUSA) reflects back to the 30 years of Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF) history, with great pride and honour of being one of its long-time partners and friends, looking forward to this exciting 2024 - anniversary year for both of our organisations.

EUSA congratulates CASF on reaching this significant milestone! We are wishing you a happy 30 anniversary of existence and expressing deep appreciation for your role in our shared success. Here's to many more fruitful years ahead!

For more information, please see https://www.unisport.hr/