European University Sports Association (EUSA) held its second Executive Committee meeting of the year in the Serbian capital on November 11 and 12, 2016. Hosted by the University Sport Federation of Serbia (USSS), the meeting was held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade.

As reported, prior to the meeting, EUSA representatives were met by the Rector of the University of Belgrade, and at the start of the meeting, a special press conference was organised, with attendance of the Serbian Minister of Youth and Sport, City and Sport representatives.



At the meeting, the participants were welcomed by Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA President, who thanked Mr Sinisa Jasnic, USSS President for the invitation and the hospitality.



Executive Committee members first received a general overview and office report by EUSA Secretary General Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, followed by financial report and budget realisation for the first 9 months of the year by EUSA Treasurer Mr Lorenz Ursprung.



The focus then shifted specifically on sports events, first reflecting back on the very successful edition of the European Universities Games, which were held in Zagreb and Rijeka in July 2016. Upcoming European Universities Championships in 2017 were presented afterwards, together with novelties and services implemented by EUSA, including new website and result management system, to be used by all sports events organisers.



On Friday special opportunity was given to the hosts to present progress report on the European Universities Games 2020, which were attributed to Belgrade in April this year. On behalf of the Organising Committee, the presentation was done by Mr Sinisa Jasnic and Mrs Ivanka Popovic. After their presentation of the planned activities, also organisers of other EUSA sports events to take place in the next years in Serbia took place.



EUSA Secretary general shared the information about the projects and activities supported by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and Mr Andrej Pisl, EUSA Communications and Projects manager, gave a report on the projects funded by the European Commission and other European institutions. EUSA is currently a partner in projects SCORE - Promotion of Gender Equality in Coaching, VOICE - Combatting sexual violence, European Week of Sport (EWOS), and will start new projects in 2017.



Ms Sara Rozman, EUSA Office Manager, presented other projects, including the EUSA Exhibition, and the report on the 2017 EUSA Conference and Gala, which will take place April 6-9 in Coimbra, Portugal. As in the beginning of December, Coimbra will also host the EUG Convention of the European Universities Games 2018 and inspection visit for martial arts/combat sport events in 2017 (judo, karate, taekwondo), special focus was given on the preparations for this event as well.



The meeting continued on Saturday with the presentation of the report by representatives from Portugal - Mr Daniel Monteriro, FADU President and Mr Mario Santos, Secretary General of the Organising Committee European Universities Games 2018.



Topic of international cooperation, focusing on FISU, partner organisations and other organisations and initiatives was given a special highlight, as this Executive Committee meeting was also an opportunity to sign a memorandum of understanding between European University Sports Association (EUSA) and the European Students' Union (ESU).



Special interest was also the attribution of the European Universities Championships 2019. Among 32 bids received, EUSA Executive Committee attributed 19 Championships for 2019 - in Badminton, Basketball, Basketball 3x3, Beach Volleyball, Bridge, Chess, Football, Futsal, Handball, Judo, Karate, Rowing, Rugby 7's, Sport Climbing, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis and Volleyball. Please see here for the complete list of the attributed Championships.



EUSA Executive Committee also nominated Commissions members for the mandate 2016-2020. Apart from the Technical Commission, which was already nominated, other commissions were appointed among the proposed candidates by the National university sports associations: Student Commission, Media and Communications Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, Educational Commission, Medical Commission, Control Commission. EUSA also has Marketing Commission and EUG Supervision Commission, where members were appointed within the Executive Committee and invited experts.



Before the formal part of the meeting concluded, the establishment of EUSA Institute was presented, followed by the activity plan for the upcoming year.



EUSA Executive Committee meeting in Belgrade which was hosted by the University Sport Federation of Serbia (USSS) and organised also with the support of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), was concluded with a sightseeing tour of the city and a dinner in a traditional restaurant, where the participants were able to enjoy the Serbian cuisine and culture.

[Photos by Rasic M]