The 2024 EUSA Conference was held at the University of Vienna in Austria and brought together important guests and the highest authorities in European University Sport.

Held at the University of Vienna on November 16 and organised in conjunction with the Austrian University Sports Organisation and the University of Vienna, the Conference gathered EUSA’s member associations, partners, invited guests, speakers, and local university authorities to discuss various topics regarding university sport, its challenges, and future plans.

Over 150 participants from all over Europe, as well as guests from visiting countries and continents, were in attendance at the event, held on the occassion of the 25th anniversary of the European University Sport Association.

The conference was opened with welcoming words both in person and via video messages, by Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA President; Mr Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research; Mr Nikolaus Hautsch, Vice-Rector of the University of Vienna; Mr Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation; and Mr Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees.

EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek thanked the participants in attendance and reflected on some of the highlights from the 25 years of the organisation, mentioning how individuals and organisations like EUSA member associations, partner organisations and institutions contribute to the development and growth of the organisation.

In his video message, Mr Martin Polaschek, Austrian Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research expressed his gratitude to EUSA for returning to Vienna, where it was initially established, and welcomed everyone to the Austrian capital Vienna.

Mr Leonz Eder, FISU President reflected on the 25 years of success of EUSA. He reflected on the early days of EUSA with modest beginnings, and showed how impressed he is with the organisation's growth and activities, which deserves recognition. He also encouraged everyone to continue to promote the holistic approach of sport as part of an inclusive culture.

Mr Nikolaus Hautsch, Vice Rector of the University of Vienna reflected the impact of the sport at the university, not only for the benefits of physical and mental health, but also as an important socialising factor and community-building activity that joins many students and academia from dfferent fields and cultures.

Mr Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees congratulated EUSA in his video message not only on the anniversary, but also on the achievements and engagement. He wished the organisation successful celebrations and a prosperous future, also in cooperation with the EOC and their members as partners.

First to open the content part of the Conference was Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General, who in a #BeActive way while cycling reminisced about the journey of EUSA and highlighted each of the past 25 years of work, success, milestones, and achievements. The endeavours of EUSA had challenges and changes that as well were part of what paved the road for the European University Sports Association to be celebrating 25 years of existence.

Following the presentation of Mr Pecovnik, the Conference hosted the first insightful roundtable on the topic of Sport has the power to change the world: University Sports between mission and reality, moderated by EUSA Honorary Member, Mr Lorenz Ursprung.

The round table invited experienced and enthusiastic speakers, such as Mr Adam Roczek, EUSA President; Mr Leonz Eder, FISU President; Ms Filipa Godinho, Pro-Rector of the University of Coimbra; Michael Wiederer, President of the European Handball Federation; and Mr Nikolaus Hautsch, Vice-Rector of the University of Vienna, all sharing numerous viewpoints and observations of the role of sport in changing the world. The guests shared part of their storylines, achievements, challenges, and positive notes that perfectly describe the path between the mission and reality, mainly in the university sports world and sports in general.

To further enrich the understanding of the role of university sports, the host institution of today’s event, the University of Vienna, as a long-time key player in promoting university sports and fostering a healthy, active student community, shared a video with the participants, showcasing their ways of accomplishing their mission.

The following session brought the second-round table, this time covering the topic of University Sports, as grassroots and healthy sports. The speakers, Mr Elmar Pichl, General Director for Universities in the Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research; Siegfried Walch, Professor at MCI Entrepreneurial School Innsbruck; and Ms Julia Pocksteiner, student and athlete, gave their insights and standpoints, discussing mainly the needs of the students and how the university sports are and can contribute to meet these needs and offer greater support.

This round table was moderated by Mr Arnold Baca, Head of the Centre for Sports Science and University Sports at the University of Vienna.

After the insightful and engaging discussions that underscored the importance of university sports in fostering both physical health and student engagement, we had the privilege to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals, universities, and associations whose recent impact on European University Sport deserves recognition and praise.

With EUSA Annual Awards, special attention is given to the associations, universities, and individuals who stood out above the rest for their participation, success, and extraordinary efforts during the 2023 European Universities Championships, awarding them for their outstanding achievements.

The first award of the evening was the Most Active National University Sports Association, determined by the participation of university teams and the number of participants in EUSA sports events each year.

The event was presented by Mr Aitor Canibe Sanchez, EUSA Vice-President and received by the German University Sports Federation. ADH won this award for being the NUSA with the highest number of athletes at the 2023 Championships – 542 and the award was accepted by Mr Joerg Forster, President of the German Sports Federation.

Next up was the Most Successful National University Sports Association Award, which is determined by the results and the final placements of the participants at the 2023 European Universities Championships. For the outstanding results achieved at the European Universities Championships in 2023, the award of Most Successful NUSA was given to the French University Sports Federation.

The award was presented by Mr Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer, and received by Mr Cedric Terret, President of the French University Sports Federation.

The next award given was the Best University Award, which is determined by the sports achievements and results from the European Universities Championships in 2023. 

The award was presented by Ms Ivana Ertlova, EUSA Vice-President and received by the University of Zagreb. The University of Zagreb won 30 medals across the European Universities Championships—the highest of any other participating university. The award was received by Ms Jasenka Ostojic, Vice-Rector of the University of Zagreb.

The award for the Most Active University, determined by the participation of individuals and teams at the 2023 European Universities Championships, went in the hands of the University of Zagreb. The award was presented by Mr Bruno Barracosa, EUSA Vice – President and received by Ms Sanja Curkovic, Vice – President of Zagreb Academic Sports Federation.

One Special Award was presented by Ms Klea Taipllari, EUSA Executive Committee Member, and Ms Uschi Schmitz, European Olympic Committees Executive Committee Member.

This special award was given for long-term collaboration and exceptional contributions, particularly for the commitment to providing a professional results management service in 2023, a Medal of Appreciation was presented to FURKI SPORT. The award was received by Mr Marin Furcic, Director of Furki Sport.

The winner of the Enno Harms Fair Play Award, which is an annual prize that considers a fair play gesture or situation during an EUSA sporting event that stands out above the rest, was selected based on the selfless gesture done at the European Universities Championship in Futsal, in Split, Croatia.

The recipients of the Enno Harms Fair Play Award are the women’s futsal team of the University of Coimbra. The award was presented by Mr Joerg Foerster, EUSA Vice-President, and on behalf of the European Fair Play Movements—its Honorary President, Mr Christian Hinterberger—and received by the representatives of the Coimbra Academic Association, the President, Mr Renato Daniel Simoes, and Vice-President Mr Diogo Jorge Lopes.

With this award, the programme of the EUSA Conference and EUSA Annual Award ceremony were officially concluded.

The day will continue with the EUSA 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner that will take place in Liechtenstein Palace.