The European University Sports Association (EUSA) celebrated the remarkable achievements and dedication of the university sports community at the 2024 EUSA Annual Awards and Gala Dinner, held in Zagreb, Croatia, on October 10, 2025.

The event took place as part of the EUSA General Assembly gathering, bringing together representatives and partners from across Europe to honour excellence and commitment within university sport.

To open the event, welcome messages were conveyed on behalf of the EUSA President, Adam Roczek and on behalf of the hosts, the President of CASF, Haris Pavletic. 

Additionally, Josip Pavic, the envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, the envoy of the Minister of Tourism and Sports, and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports greeted the participants, wishing them a pleasant time and a warm welcome to Croatia. 

The University of Zagreb and the Hungarian University Sports Federation emerged as the year’s top performers, each receiving double recognition.

The University of Zagreb was awarded both Best University and Most Active University for its exceptional achievements throughout the 2024 season. The university’s strong presence at EUSA competitions, dedication to promoting student engagement in sport, and continued investment in inclusive and high-quality athletic programs earned it recognition as a leading institution in European university sport.

The award for Best University was presented by EUSA Vice-President Ivana Ertlova and received by Jasenka Ostojic, Vice-rector of the University of Zagreb.

For the Most Active University, the award was presented by EUSA Vice-President Bruno Barracosa and received by Davor Pavlovic, the President of Zagreb University Sports Federation.

The Hungarian University Sports Federation (HUSF) took home the titles of Best NUSA and Most Active NUSA, acknowledging its outstanding efforts in fostering the growth of university sports across Hungary and Europe. Its dynamic leadership, organisational excellence, and successful hosting of the EUSA Games 2024 demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting university sport at every level.

The award for Best NUSA was presented by Haris Pavletic, EUSA First Vice-President, and received by Peter Juhasz, Secretary General of the Hungarian University Sports Federation.

For Most Active NUSA the award was presented by Aitor Canibe Sanchez, EUSA Vice-President, and received by Gyorgy Kovacs, Deputy Secretary General and Head of Sport at the Hungarian University Sports Federation.

The Enno Harms Fair Play Award was presented to the University of Twente from the Netherlands for its remarkable display of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect during competition.

The award was presented by EUSA Vice-President Joerg Foerster and European Fair Play Movement Vice-President Robert Perc and received by Femke Zomer, Team Representative.

The Medal of Appreciation awards recognised remarkable contributions to the university sports movement.

First Medal of Appreciation went to the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF)  for its exceptional readiness to step in as the organiser of the European Universities Rowing Championship just three months before the event, following a last-minute cancellation.

The award was presented by Ivana Ertlova, EUSA Vice-President, and received by Haris Pavletic, President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation. 

The second Medal of Appreciation went to the long-standing EUSA partner Kraft&Werk, acknowledging a decade of outstanding collaboration and for playing a key role in the association’s visual identity renewal in both 2014 and 2024.

The award was presented by Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer, and received by Tomaz Gaube, Chief Executive Officer of Kraft&Werk. 

Third Medal of Appreciation and Volunteer award went to Dorota Luczak-Dydowicz from Poland, whose enthusiasm, professionalism, and energy shone during the EUC Tennis 2023 in Granada and the EUSA Games 2024 in Hungary. Her dedication served as an inspiring reminder that volunteering has no age limit.

The award was presented by Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General.

 The Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation (CTUSF) received the International Cooperation Award for its long-standing partnership with EUSA, marked by productive exchanges and joint initiatives promoting international university sport since 2018.

The award was presented by EUSA President Adam Roczek and received by Shu-Yin Wang, President of the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation.

Medal of Appreciation was also awarded to one of EUSA’s Associated Members, the University of Vienna, in recognition of their outstanding organisation of EUSA’s 25th Anniversary events. The award was presented by Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General, and received by Nikolaus Hautsch, the Vice-Rector of the University of Vienna. 

Additionally, three Order of Merit were awarded to three distinguished contributors to the university sports community.

First Order of Merit was given to Hemma Angerer, President of Unisport Austria, honoring her dedicated efforts in organising the EUSA 25th Anniversary Gala. The award was presented by Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General.

The Hungarian University Sports Federation and its President Lajos Mocsai, received the Order of Merit for the exceptional organisation of the EUSA Games 2024, which set new standards of excellence and inclusion.

The award was presented by Haris Pavletic, EUSA First Vice-President, and received by Zoltan Rakaczki, Executive Committee Member of the Hungarian University Sports Federation.

The third Order of Merit was awarded to Eric Saintrond for his lifelong commitment to the international university sports movement. The award was presented by EUSA President Adam Roczek to Mr Saintrond, in the presence of FISU President Leonz Eder. 

By the end of the Annual Awards Ceremony, tokens of Appreciation were presented to EUSA President Adam Roczek as a gesture of deep respect and gratitude for his exceptional leadership and enduring contribution to European university sport. The presentations were made by FISU President Leonz Eder, CASF President Haris Pavletic, and European Fair Play Movement Vice President Robert Perc, symbolizing the strong partnership, mutual recognition, and heartfelt appreciation shared across the international university sports community.

To formally close the evening, a token of appreciation was presented on behalf of EUSA to the team of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation in recognition of their outstanding organisation of the General Assembly, EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue, EUSA Annual Awards, and Gala Dinner.

The Gala evening in Zagreb was not only a celebration of achievements but also a vibrant cultural experience. Guests enjoyed a musical performance presenting classical renditions of modern songs, performed by the White Quartet, creating a refined and captivating atmosphere that beautifully bridged tradition and contemporary style.

The evening continued with a festive dinner, offering participants a chance to connect in a relaxed atmosphere, share experiences, and celebrate the unity and spirit of the European university sports community.

The 2024 EUSA Annual Awards once again highlighted the strength of collaboration, volunteerism, and innovation within European university sport. The evening in Zagreb celebrated not only individual and organisational achievements but also the shared values that continue to inspire the growth of the university sports community across Europe.