Marking its landmark 10th anniversary, every September 20 brings higher education institutions around the world together in a vibrant celebration of movement, transforming campuses into centres of health, teamwork, and community engagement.

Proclaimed by UNESCO following a landmark initiative by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) has evolved into a powerful global movement connecting students and local communities worldwide.

In Europe, this milestone celebration flows seamlessly into the dynamic momentum of the European Week of Sport (#EWoS)  and the #BeActive campaign, amplifying a shared commitment to lifelong health, inclusivity, and active citizenship. As the movement celebrates a decade of impact, universities and federations across the continent have once again demonstrated how sport bridges education, wellbeing, and community building.

To celebrate both initiatives,  EUSA staff took the opportunity to mark the occasion together on bicycles, exploring Ljubljana and enjoying an active ride through and around the city. The 10-kilometre route combined physical activity, social interaction and the opportunity to experience Ljubljana from a different perspective.

Here is a short insight into the diverse activities that took place throughout Europe:

Armenia

The Armenian Student Sports Federation and the ASUE Student Council marked the International Day of University Sport by hosting an informative session led by Federation President Hovhannes Gabrielyan and Student Council President and FISU/EUSA Student Ambassador Gor Hambardzumyan. The session introduced students and young athletes to international opportunities and engagement pathways within FISU and EUSA, connecting them directly with global university sports platforms.

Austria

Unisport Austria and USI Wien promoted IDUS at the 25th Day of Sports on Vienna's Heldenplatz with a joint booth celebrating university sports diversity. Their presentation featured a "Wall of Fame" honoring international successes of Austrian student-athletes, including judo silver medalist Franziska Schögl, alongside an interactive agility course offering USI course vouchers. Across the country, regional university sports institutes launched vibrant local programs: USI Salzburg participated in the Salzburg Business Run with nearly 180 students and staff; USI Klagenfurt organized outdoor beach volleyball and tennis activities; and USI Innsbruck launched the academic year with a joint educational workshop and hands-on core workout session in partnership with the Olympic Center Innsbruck and the Institute of Sports Science.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, national participation and celebrations were spearheaded by the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In coordination with the Ministry of Civil Affairs under the European Week of Sport (#BeActive) framework, the Olympic Committee coordinated a nationwide multi-sport tour from September 18 to 30. Partnering with national sports federations, local clubs hosted grassroots events across multiple cities—including Vitez, Čajniče, Zavidovići, Sarajevo, Pale, and Tuzla—giving hundreds of youth hands-on experience alongside national athletes to foster healthy habits and inclusion. 

Croatia 

The Croatian University Sports Federation (Croatian NUSA) marked the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) by publishing a short news article highlighting the importance of physical activity, healthy lifestyles and the role of university sport in connecting universities with local communities. The article also acknowledged the long-standing Croatian tradition of Student Sports Day and expressed appreciation to student-athletes, coaches, sports staff, volunteers and the media for their contribution to the development and promotion of university sport in Croatia.

Finland

The Finnish Student Sports Federation (OLL) celebrated the 10th anniversary of IDUS by launching a campus idea competition to fund student-led everyday movement initiatives, while also amplifying FISU's global 10 km challenge. Additionally, OLL hosted a student activist network meeting in Helsinki for Active Citizenship Day, featuring sessions on student sports advocacy, a visit to the Finnish Parliament to meet MP and Sports Council member Timo Furuholm and parliamentary assistant Emilia Junnila, and a concluding panel debate between political student organizations.

France

The French University Sport Federation (FFSU) integrated IDUS into its "Septembre Bouge" campaign. Mobilising nationwide under the "10 years, 10 kilometres" theme for the 10th anniversary, the French university sports community engaged participants in running, walking, swimming, and cycling activities.

Germany

For the seventh time, the German University Sports Federation (ADH) celebrated IDUS by hosting the adh-Hochschullauf on September 20. The event engaged 1,079 runners across 86 member universities in a 60-minute running and walking challenge. In the institutional ranking, the Hessian University of Public Management and Security (HöMS) secured first place with 2,241.78 kilometres and 19,656 metres of elevation, while individual distance and elevation winners were recognised across categories. Supported by Olympic ambassador Finn Hösch, participants also creatively integrated their runs into major global athletic events.

Montengero

The Students Sports Association of Montenegro marked the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) with a social media post congratulating students and inviting them to participate in a series of sporting activities organised between September and October. The programme included hiking tours, a student cross-country race, tennis and several 3x3 basketball events, encouraging student participation in physical activity and promoting an active university lifestyle.

Portugal

The Portuguese University Sports Federation (FADU) celebrated IDUS in Figueira da Foz alongside the FISU World University Championship of Beach Sports. The program featured a coastal cleanup in Buarcos in partnership with Brigada do Mar, an anniversary run, and key institutional milestones, including a protocol with the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities and the adoption of the White Card protocol. Celebrations also included +DU program awards, an international round-table on student-athlete dual careers, an exhibition match by the Women's Beach Soccer National Team, and informal sports activities fostering fair play and cultural exchange.

Slovenia

The Slovenian University Sports Association (SUSA) marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) by launching a public activity challenge titled “10 Years – 10 Kilometres”. Together with its member organisations, SUSA invited students and the wider public to complete at least 10 kilometres of physical activity on 20 September, whether running, cycling, hiking or engaging in other forms of exercise. Participants were encouraged to share evidence of their completed distance on social media, with a sports bottle offered as a prize through a draw, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Switzerland

Swiss University Sports celebrated the 10th anniversary of IDUS by launching a global initiative challenging the university community to complete 10 kilometres through running, walking, cycling, or swimming. On September 20, they encouraged students and campuses across Switzerland and worldwide to get moving, share their progress, and connect globally by tagging Swiss University Sports and @FISU using the #IDUS2026 hashtag.

For more information about the campaigns, you can explore the official resources:

International Day of University Sport:  https://www.fisu.net/federation-internationale-du-sport-universitaire/ 

European Week of Sport:  https://sport.ec.europa.eu/european-week-of-sport