On November 16th, at the Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna, Austria, the European University Sports Association celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Gala dinner, gathering the presence of representatives of member federations, partners, institutions, and distinguished individual guests.

Vienna is not just any venue for EUSA's celebrations. Founded in this very city in 1999, it embodies the organization's history, making it the perfect stage for this momentous occasion. This special occasion was held in the heart of Vienna, the city where it all started, hosted by the Austrian University Sports Organisation and the University of Vienna.

The 25th Anniversary Gala served as a gathering to commemorate a remarkable milestone in the EUSA journey, built on passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence in the world of university sports. 

This remarkable celebration was opened with the words given on behalf of Ms Hemma Angerer, President of the Austrian University Sports Organisation. Ms Angerer wished all the present guests an evening of joy and delight, pointing out and congratulating EUSA on this important milestone.

The second warm welcome was given on behalf of EUSA President, Mr Adam Roczek, thanking each of the guests for their presence and for their support and cooperation for the past 25 years.

After the two honourable welcoming speeches, the programme of the Gala Dinner was opened by the first act of the cultural part, which was an amazing music performance by the Vienna Opera Ball Orchestra under the direction of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Univ.-Doz. Mag. Laszlo Gyüker. Viena Opera Ball Orchestra performed a few of their amazing musical acts throughout the Gala night.

The musical performance was accompanied by a dance performance from the Svabek Dance School, which has been responsible for the artistic choreography of the dance interludes at the Vienna Opera Ball for many years. 

Being in Vienna, the birthplace of EUSA, and reflecting on the last 25 years, EUSA is proud to celebrate a journey defined by collaboration, dedication, and support. It is with great pride that we acknowledge the invaluable partnerships that have helped shape our shared success.

This acknowledgement was done through presenting special appreciation awards to local institutions and individuals who significantly contributed to the development and growth of the organisation, as well as awarding an Order of Merit.

The EUSA Order of Merit is given to individuals who, through their involvement and commitment, gave significant contribution to the development and promotion of university sport in Europe. The EUSA Executive Committee decided to award two Orders of Merit this year. 

The first one, for long-term involvement and contribution to the development of university sport, is given to Mr Ants Veetousme! The award was presented by Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General.

As the President of the Estonian Academic Sports Association from 2005 to 2024, he played a pivotal role in organizing major international sports events such as World and European University Championships and the SELL Games, significantly shaping the landscape of university sports in Estonia and beyond!

The next Order of Merit was awarded posthumously to Mr Yevgeniy Imas, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of university sports. Although Mr Imas is no longer with us, the legacy of his dedication and impact continues to inspire and shape the future of the university sport.

The award was presented by Mr Haris Pavletic, EUSA 1^st Vice-President and accepted by Mr Vadym Stetsenko, Secretary General of the Sports Students’ Union of Ukraine.

The next 25^th anniversary award was the one dedicated to the National University Sports Association for its outstanding contribution to the development of university sports and fruitful collaboration over the years. Tonight, the award was given to the Swiss University Sports, presented by Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA President, and accepted by Mr Daniel Studer and Mr Lorenz Ursprung, Co-Presidents of the Swiss University Sports.

For its longstanding partnership and great contribution to the growth of university sports, EUSA awarded the European Handball Federation. The award was presented by EUSA President Adam Roczek and accepted by Mr Michael Wiederer, President of the European Handball Federation.

The final award for the evening is the EUSA Honorary Member Award, given to an individual who, through their involvement and commitment, made a significant contribution to the growth and promotion of university sports in Europe.

For his invaluable contribution to the development of university sport that started back in 1991 and his key role in the inaugural European Universities Basketball Championship in 2001, as well as for his direct involvement in the many EUSA Championships and Games over the years, this award was given to Mr Peter George, EUSA Honorary Member. The award was presented by EUSA President Adam Roczek.

After the awards had been handed out to the recipients, the Gala dinner continued with enjoying more musical performances, dining, and socializing.

The last celebratory gesture of the night—the gift exchange was what concluded this wonderful celebration of the 25 years of existence, hard work, and success of the European University Sports Association.

Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA President, handed a special thank you gift in recognition of the outstanding efforts in organizing this event to Ms Hemma Angerer, President of the Austrian University Sports Organisation.

For longstanding cooperation and support, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) presented an award to EUSA, handed out by President Mr Leonz Eder and Secretary General Mr Eric Saintrond, accepted by President Adam Roczek and Secretary General Mr Matjaz Pecovnik.  

To Mr Suleyman Orakcioglu, Chairman of the Board of ORKA Holding, an award was presented for great cooperation as one of the official partners of EUSA. 

On this celebratory night, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary, EUSA was presented with gifts from FISU Oceania, presented by Ms Donna Spethman, Secretary General; the European Olympic Committee, presented by Ms Uschi Schmitz Executive Committee Member; the Lithuanian Students’ Sports Association, presented by President Ms Indre Celkiene; and the University Sports Association of Poland, presented by President Mr Alojzy Nowak and Mr Piotr Marszal, Board Member of AZS Wroclaw and Chair of EUSA Control Commission, who also personally awarded EUSA President Adam Roczek with the most important award granted by AZS, the Golden Griffin.

More awards followed by, given on behalf of: Croatian Academic Sports Federation, presented by President, Mr Haris Pavletic; Armenian Student Sports Federation, presented by President Mr Hovhannes Gabrielyan; Swedish University Sports Federation, presented by President Mr Christopher Svensson; Portugal University Sports Federation, presented by President Mr Ricardo Nora; Mr Felipe Santos, EUSA Honorary Member; Norwegian Association of University Sports, presented by President Ms Amalie Husby; and Finnish Student Sports Federation, presented by Mr Niko Peltokangas Head of Communications & International Affairs.

The remarkable 25th Anniversary Gala dinner was concluded with a gratitude message expressed by Mr Adam Roczek towards the Austrian University Sports Organisation, the University of Vienna, and EUSA staff members. A celebratory group photo officially closed the Gala dinner held in the beautiful Palace Liechtenstein. 

EUSA expresses heartfelt gratitude to the hosts and to all representatives of the member federations, partners, guests, and friends for being part of the celebration of the 25th-anniversary milestone.