FISU-EUSA Seminar 2019
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: April 11-14, 2019

The very first edition of the FISU-EUSA Seminar proved to be a resounding success, with the two well-established organisations continuing to strengthen their ties for the betterment of university sport.

The picturesque northwestern town of Kranjska Gora in Slovenia was the setting for the first meeting of its kind, as representatives from the Federation of International University Sport (FISU), including FISU First Vice-President Mr Leonz Eder, gathered together with the majority of European University Sport (EUSA) members and staff between April 11-14 to discuss and converse over a wide variety of topics in relation to university sport.



EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek opened the afternoon’s proceedings, followed by an opening address from Mr Eder, before distinguished guest Mr Shen Zhen, Vice Secretary General of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), shared the activities of FISU’s Asian member. Mr Eder then continued the day’s programme with a presentation of FISU’s strategy and activities, followed by EUSA’s Secretary General Mr Matjaz Pecovnik’ presentation of EUSA’s activities and projects.



The first day concluded with a roundtable discussion regarding the legacy of university sports events and the impact they have had, and can have, on host cities.

The following day began with various presentations regarding funding opportunities in university sport, where the Development Programmes of both FISU and EUSA were presented. Thereafter the audience heard various presentations regarding non-financial support services, and on both occasions, the audience was divided into smaller groups to further discuss and then share their observations and opinions on the presented topics.



Two separate workshops kicked off proceedings in the afternoon, where those in attendance chose between presentations addressing either volunteering or addressing social responsibility through sport, and again smaller groups were formed to discuss and expand on the topics further.

In line with the European #BeActive campaign, seminar attendees spent the rest of the afternoon at a local gymnasium where fun-filled games of either basketball or volleyball was played.



The final day began with a panel discussion regarding management of university sport events, where various case studies from previous events were presented by relevant organising committee members.

The final session of the Seminar took place in the form of two parallel workshops: one discussed the ideas and plans for IDUS (International Day of University Sport) 2019, while the other discussed media coverage at university sport events, where a number of good practise examples were shared.

Concluding remarks were then given by Mr Eder and Mr Pecovnik, where it was agreed that many positive outcomes were reached at the Seminar, which should take place on a more regular basis.



Attendees were then all transported to Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana to visit the EUSA Office and be present for the official opening of a new office, a recent expansion to EUSA’s existing office space, following which time was given to explore central Ljubljana before a farewell dinner.



All in all, the FISU-EUSA Seminar received numerous positive remarks as those in attendance were able to network, strengthen ties, exchange ideas and knowledge and learn from some of the most experienced minds in each organisation, all while striving to continue their best efforts for the growth of university sport as a whole.