From March 3-5, 2024 the EUSA Evaluation Commission for European Universities Games 2028 composed of Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA President, Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General and Mr Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer visited Split (CRO), as one of the three Candidate Cities for hosting the European Universities Games in 2028.

The bidding procedure for hosting the 9th edition of the European Universities Games, to be held in 2028 opened on October 15, 2022, and finished on September 30, 2023, in which, for the first time EUSA got 3 candidate cities: Split (CRO), Manisa (TUR) and Granada (ESP).

During their stay in Split, EUSA representatives were firstly welcomed by President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF) Mr Haris Pavletic, First Vice-President Mr Toni Gamulin, Sports Director Ms Jelena Matesic and Secretary General Mr Nikola Vincetic and other members of CASF and University Sports Association of Split.

The EUSA Evaluation Commission representatives met afterwards with the Mayor of City of Split – Mr Ivica Puljak, who assured the active involvement and support of the City of Split in the organisation of the games. He also presented various ongoing and planned investments in sports infrastructure in the city.

Following the meeting with the mayor, the EUSA Representatives met with the Deputy Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County – Mr Stipe Čogelja and his team. 

EUSA delegation afterwards visited the University of Split, where they met with the Rector of the University, Professor Dragan Ljutic, who expressed the support of University to the organisation of the games in Croatia.

First day of the Evaluation Visit was then wrapped up with Bidding Committee presentation of the candidature and its legacy for the University and its students in Split.

During the second day of the evaluation, EUSA representatives had the chance to do site visits, together with the local organizing team Before finishing the evaluation visit, the delegation had a chance to also visited the student campus, as one of the key facilities in the bidding plan.

In the next days, EUSA Technical Commission and EUSA Evaluation Commission visits will follow in the other two candidate cities: Manisa and Granada. These visits will result with reports from both commissions which will be presented at the next EUSA Executive Committee Meeting in Aveiro, Portugal in April 2024, where the 2028 European Universities Games will be attributed.