16. 04. 2025

EUSA-EUG 2026 Working Meeting in Ljubljana

On April 14, 2025 the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Office held a working meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with the Organising Committee representatives of the European Universities Games 2026 in Salerno, Italy.

The visit to EUSA Headquarters for a progress update, follows EUSA Supervision Commission Meeting of last February at the University of Salerno premisis where the event will take place next year.

The delegation representing EUG 2026 OC consisted of FederCUSI Representative and EUSA Treasurer Francis Cirianni, CUS Salerno Secretary General Michele Di Ruocco, University of Salerno Sport Delegate Domenico Apicella, OC Sports Manager Ferdinando Mainenti, ADISURC Representative for Accomodation Edmondo Iannicelli, ADISURC Representative for Catering & Services Vincenzo Rachiglio, University of Salerno Technical Office Representative Salvatore Ferrandino, and OC Media Representative Giovanni Salvatore.

Representation of the EUSA Office was led by Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik, Director Sports Events Liam Smith, Sports Manager Miha Zvan, Director Education & Operations Sara Rozman, Director Projects & Policy Andrej Pisl, Head of Media & Communications Salvatore Sisca, and ESC Volunteer Jan Hussu.

Hosted at the Slon Hotel in Ljubljana, the meeting commenced with a welcome address by EUSA Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik and general updates, followed by a reflection on recent supervision visits, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and adherence to high standards by EUSA Treasurer Francis Cirianni and CUS Salerno Secretary General Michele Di Ruocco.

The morning session delved into the critical aspect of accommodation, with a presentation from ADISURC Representative for Accomodation Edmondo Iannicelli, discussing strategies for ensuring comfortable and efficient housing for athletes, officials, and attendees.

Catering and Services presentation by Vincenzo Rachiglio emphasised schedules, confirmed venue readiness, and ensured compliance with international standards. Discussions included both technical aspects and the importance of quality aspects throughout the entire organisation.

The discussion then shifted to the sports programme and venues, a key element of the event's success. Participants explored the scheduling of events, venue suitability, and necessary infrastructure, aiming to provide optimal conditions for all participants, with updates and overviews provided by Mr Di Ruocco.

The afternoon session focused on the vital area of media and marketing, exploring strategies to maximise the event's visibility and engagement, both locally and internationally. A concept presentation was made by OC Media Representative Giovanni Salvatore, who highlighted the main focus points of the planned communication plan, which will strengthen the links between the University's ambitions and legacy goals.

Attendees then tackled the complexities of the upcoming Convention, which will be held in Salerno at the end of May. This segment focused on the planning and execution of convention activities, including presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a summary of key decisions and action points, with remarks by Director Sports Events Liam Smith on how productive these meetings are being, ensuring that all participants are aligned and prepared for the next steps in the event's planning process.

The discussions highlighted the complexity and multi-faceted planning required for this kind of large international sporting event, with EUSA being grateful of the opportunity built together with the OC, to work hard in order to ensure a positive and memorable experience for all EUG 2026 participants.

For more info on next year's European Universities Games in Salerno, please visit www.eug2026.eu.