European University Sports Association (EUSA) concluded its events in Kusadasi on October 14 with the EUSA Awards Ceremony, followed by a formal gala dinner.

The event was held to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals, universities and associations whose recent impact on European University Sport deserves recognition and praise.

The evening started with the welcome address by the President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Adam Roczek, handing over the management of the ceremony to Sara Rozman and Bruno Barracosa, who guided the programme and award attribution,

The first award to be attributed was the award for the most active National University Sports Association (NUSA). Determined by the participation of university teams and the number of participants in EUSA sports events each year, for 2022 this award was received by the University Sports Association of Poland (AZS). The award was received on behalf of AZS by its Vice-President Marian Dymalski, and presented by EUSA 1st Vice-President Haris Pavletic.

University Sports Association of Poland (AZS) also received the Most Successful NUSA Award, determined by the results and the final placement of the participants at the 2022 European Universities Games and Championships. EUSA 1st Vice-President Pavletic handed yout the award to Tatsiana Andrushka, representing AZS at this occassion.

Determined by the sports achievements and results from the European Universities Games and Championships in 2022, the Best University award was received by the University of Zagreb from Criatia. On hehalf of the University, the award was received by Jurica Pavicic, Vice-Rector, and the award was presented by Ivana Ertlova, EUSA Vice-President.

Similarly, the Most Active University Award, determined by the participation of individuals and teams at the 2022 European Universities Games and Championships, was received by the University of Zagreb as well, having 197 participants at the EUSA sports events last year. Jasenka Ostojic, Vice-Rector of the University received the award, presented by EUSA Vice-President Ertlova.

After the first set of awards, Zeybek dance performance by the folk-dance group from the Aydin Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate introduced the Aegean region through movement.

After the first part of the cultural show, the ceremony continued with the Medal of Appreciation Awards. For successful organization and management of the European Universities Games Lodz 2022, the first Medal of Appreciation was presented to the University Sports Association of Poland (AZS). The award was presented by EUSA Vice-President Aitor Canibe Sanchez, and received by Piotr Marszal, AZS representative.

The next Medal of Appreciation was also presented by Canibe Sanchez, awarded to Türkiye University Sports Federation (TUSF) for successful organisation of European and International university sports events in 2022. TUSF President received the award on behalf of the Federation, presented by Canibe Sanchez.

At the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the SELL Student Games, a special Medal of Appreciation was presented to the national university sports associations of four founding countries: Finnish Student Sports Federation, Estonian Academic Sports Federation, Latvian University Sports Federation and Lithuanian Students’ Sports Association. EUSA Vice-President Sanche presented the awards, to the representatives of the national university sports bodies from Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.

For long-term involvement and contribution to the development of university sport, a Medal of Appreciation was presented to Manfred Pfeifer, Secretary General of Austrian University Sports Organisation, presented by EUSA Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik.

For long-term involvement and contribution to the development of university sport, a Medal of Appreciation was also awarded to Davor Habljak, former Secretary General of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, presented by EUSA Secretary General Pecovnik.

For successful organization and management of the European Universities Games Lodz 2022, a Medal of Appreciation was awarded to Dominik Lezanski. The awards was presented by Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer. 

EUSA Treasurer also presented the Medal of Appreciation to Matija Krnc for extraordinary service and commitment to the European University Sports Association.

A Medal of Appreciation was presented to Laura Capranica for the long-term commitment in European Athlete as Student Network and successful cooperation with the European University Sports Association. The award was presented by EUSA Honorary Member Alison Odell.

For successful cooperation with the European University Sports Association, a Medal of Appreciation was presented to Badminton Europe Confederation (BEC) by Odell. On behalf of BEC, the award was received by the Vice-President Joao Matos and Radomir Jovovic, Member of the Board.

The winner of the Enno Harms Fair Play Award, which is an annual prize that considers a fair play gesture or situation during a EUSA sporting event which stands out above the rest, was selected for the selfless gesture at the European Universities Games in Lodz, Poland. For their commendable action of Fair Play, the 2022 EUSA Enno Harms Fair Play Award goes to the Hungarian University of Sports Science. The award was presented by Sevim Gullu, representative of the European Fair Play Movement and Joerg Foerster, EUSA Vice-President and received on the University behalf by EUSA Executive Committee Member Zoltan Rakaczki.

Before the last part of the awards, the second cultural activity was presented in a dance performance, displaying the henna night, which is traditionally held before wedding ceremonies.

The EUSA Order of Merit awards were introduced next, given to individuals who, through their involvement and commitment, gave significant contribution to the development and promotion of university sport in Europe. For the year 2022, EUSA Executive Committee awarded the Order of Merit to three individuals.

The first award winner could not be with us at the event, but in absentia; congratulations to Krzysztof Jozwik, Rector of Lodz University of Technology.

For long-term involvement and contribution to the development of university sport, Zrinko Custonja received the second Order of Merit award, presented by EUSA President Roczek.

EUSA President also presented the Order of Merit for long-term involvement and contribution to the development of university sport to Pedro Montiel Gamez.

The final award for the evening was the EUSA Honorary Member Award, given to an individual who, through their involvement and commitment, gave significant contribution to the development and promotion of university sport in Europe. For his extraordinary service to EUSA, Lorenz Ursprung the title of Honorary Member. The award was presented by EUSA President Roczek.

EUSA Awards Ceremony concluded with a group photo of this year’s award recipients, and also a family photo of all participants.

EUSA Gala followed the Awards Ceremony, concluding the organisation’s events in Kusadasi. At the Gala, EUSA, as well as FISU and other organisations thanked TUSF as the local hosts, for the great hospitality and memorable experiences.