A delegation from the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Office visited Belgrade on October 6 and 7, in preparation of the reopening of registration for the 5th edition of the European Universities Games, which will be held in the Serbian capital between July 14 and 27, 2021.

The Games, initially scheduled to be held in 2020, were postponed to next year to ensure the safety of participants and everyone involved in the organisation of the event. Despite the postponement and temporary suspension of the activities during the Covid-19 lockdown, preparations for the event continued in earnest ahead of next year’s competition.



The EUSA delegation was led by Executive Committee member Mr Milan Zvan and Secretary General Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, accompanied by Education & Development Manager Ms Sara Rozman and Communications & Projects Manager Mr Andrej Pisl. They were welcomed by the hosts, led by Mr Predrag Juskovic, Mr Dragan Atanasov, Ms Anita Dobre and heads of key departments of the European Universities Games Belgrade 2021.



The working meeting started with a venue visit of the Student City, observing the reconstruction works of accommodation and other facilities where EUG2021 participants will be accommodated. Modernisation of the dormitories is almost complete and represents the largest infrastructure project since its founding, including the installation of air-conditioning, wi-fi, security and safety systems, as well as the replacement of lightening, furniture and flooring. The visiting delegation was very impressed with what they saw, and since the dorms will continue to be used by students in Belgrade long  after the Games, it will undoubtedly be an important part of the legacy of EUG2021.



The legacy of the event will also be reflected for years to come in the renovated and refurbished sports venues across Belgrade. Several facilities have already been renovated, and some are still scheduled for completion. The delegation visited the sports center Sumice, which will be used for the handball and futsal competitions during the Games.



A major part of the discussions focused on the current and foreseen Covid-19 and general health situation. A detailed protocol and procedure plan is being prepared, defining safety and security measures, protecting on the highest level the participants of the European Universities Games, as well as others involved or related to the event. The measures will take into account the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, sports governing bodies, national authorities, as well as experiences of other event organisers. The document will foresee different scenarios, and will be shared with the participants as well as with all key stakeholders.

Following this working visit, an online supervision commission meeting will be held on October 14, reviewing key progress, adaptations and procedures.



Registration for the event will be reopen on November 1 for the available spots. The 5th edition of the European Universities Games will involve 21 different sporting disciplines in the sports programme. This includes Badminton, Basketball, 3x3 Basketball, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Chess, Football, Futsal, Handball, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Orienteering, Rowing, Rugby 7s, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo. There will also be a Para Table Tennis competition for student-athletes with disabilities, and a Sitting Volleyball competition as a demonstrative sport. Alongside the sport competitions, the Games will focus on educational and social aspects of university sport in Europe, featuring conferences and workshops in the topics Anti-Doping, Inclusion, Dual Career, as well as a Rectors' Conference.

For more information about the European Universities Games Belgrade 2021, please see www.eug2021.eu.