EUSA’s newest member Kosovo, who became the associations 46th member just last year, hosted members of EUSA staff and other European university sport authorities for an official two-day visit from 14-15 June, where great strides were taken in the development of the country’s university sport.

Present on behalf of EUSA was Sports Manager, Mr Besim Aliti and Assistant Sports Manager, Mr Liam Smith.

Hosted by Kosovo University Sports Federation President, Mr Musa Selimi, the official visit began with presentations at the Faculty of Physical Education at the University of Pristina, where undergraduate and Master’s students from the faculty were able to listen to various aspects of university sport in Europe. Mr Aliti delivered a presentation about the management of university sport events and Mr Smith spoke about volunteering in university sport, while there were also case study presentations from Croatian University Sport Federation President, Mr Zrinko Custonja and Albanian University Sport Federation President, Mr Besnik Veliu.



Also present at the lectures was Mr Ismet Krasniqi, Kosovo Karate Federation President and Kosovo University Sports Federation Representative Ms Diellza Shaqiri-Kelmendi.



Later in the day, EUSA attended the inauguration of a new Beach Volleyball venue at the University of Pristina, a facility which will serve the student community for years to come. Twenty-four teams from the university participated in the competition, with the finals set for the following evening.



The following morning, the delegation visited the AAB College in Pristina to talk about university sport in Kosovo, where future cooperation and projects were discussed.



Thereafter, EUSA returned to the University of Pristina for the Beach Volleyball competition finals, and formed part of the awards ceremony to present the winners with their medals.



In addition to these activities, Mr Aliti, Mr Smith and Mr Custonja were present at the Lorik Cana 5 Foundation Kinderpitch opening in Pristina. The Foundation was established by famous former Albanian national football team captain Mr Lorik Cana, who turned out for a numer of top European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Galtasaray and Lazio. The Kinderpitch project received support from the Albanian Football Federation, with the opening attended by the Mayor of Pristina, Mr Shpend Ahmeti; current Arsenal and Swiss National Team player, Mr Granit Xhaka and Atalanta and Albanian national team goalkeeper, Mr Etrit Berisha.



EUSA would like to thank Kosovo for their invitation and hospitality and look forward to further engagements and university sport events in future.