European University Sports Association (EUSA) hosted an insightful online Webinar for European Universities Games 2028 Candidate Cities on 29^th of November, 2023.

At this webinar, moderated by Ms Sara Rozman, EUSA Education and Development Manager, representatives of EUSA Staff, as well as representatives of the EUG 2028 host city candidates, Split (CRO), Granada (ESP) and Manisa (TUR), were present.

To start this webinar, the planned agenda for the event was presented. 

Present participants were greeted by EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek, who gave a short retrospective recap for the history of the Games, pointing out the first attribution of the Games in 2012, as a historical starting point.  Mr Roczek said that in 2012, EUSA had big dreams and organized the games as a small project, only to come this far, to still dream big but now to organize the biggest manifestation and sport event for university students on European level. With this he expressed his satisfaction to see three great candidate cities, competing fairly for the hosting position for 2028.

Following the opening words of EUSA President, next to greet and present a short recap of the history of EUSA and what EUSA means to people, was EUSA Secretary General, Mr Matjaz Pecovnik.

Ms Eszter Gulyas, EUSA Sports Officer then presented the philosophy and concept behind EUSA sports events, the timeline and growth of the sport program and numbers of the European Universities Games and Championships, as well as the importance of the legacy that these events leave behind.

 An extensive and detailed presentation of the Bidding procedure was then given by Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, focusing mainly on the important dates, steps, role and planned activities of the EUSA Technical and Evaluation Commission, as well as the purpose of their visits to the candidate cities.

Mr Pecovnik also presented the details about the attribution ceremony, the location, agenda and gave details about the financial matters related to the bidding process.

Following the details about the attribution process and event, Mr Miha Zvan, EUSA Sports Manager, explained and presented in detail the guidelines for preparing the bidding book.

Information regarding the general concept of things to be included in the bidding book, the sports program, accommodation, transportation, medical services, and security services were given. Mr Zvan pointed out the sustainable approach and legacy intention behind the concept of EUSA events, as an important part to be considered while submitting and planning the bidding book.

He then continued with other important points that need to be covered, such as: offices and other working equipment, social, cultural and educational events, broadcasting and live streaming, as well as shortly explaining legal matters and finances.

To conclude this webinar, EUSA Secretary General, presented the Activity plan for the next 4 years, giving a timeline of important EUSA events to be attended by the future attributed organiser, in order to get a better idea, knowledge and onsite examples of how to better organise the European Universities Games 2028.

While giving his closing remarks, Mr Pecovnik also encouraged the teams of candidate cities present of the webinar, to bid for organising a European Universities Championship in 2027, as a test event.

For more information on the bidding procedure for EUG 2028, please see https://www.eusa.eu/games/bidding-2028