The European University Sports Association (EUSA) celebrated the remarkable achievements, commitment, and dedication of the university sports community at the EUSA Annual Awards Ceremony, held in Salerno, Italy, on July 19, 2026.

The event took place as part of the European Universities Games 2026, at Teatro di Ateneo, Fisciano Campus, bringing together distinguished guests, university representatives, and partners from across Europe to honour excellence, hard work, and success in university sport. 

The ceremony took place in the premises of the University of Salerno, one of the hosts of EUG 2026, providing the perfect setting for an event that celebrates the unifying power of sport, friendship, and dedication. The evening underscored EUSA's continuous mission to elevate the profile of university sport in Europe, made possible through close cooperation with the host institution, the University of Salerno, which provided the wonderful venue for this special celebration.

To officially open the celebration, EUSA President Haris Pavletic took to the stage to deliver a welcome address to the audience. In his address, Mr Pavletic expressed his pleasure at being part of the event and extended his sincere gratitude to the University of Salerno, CUS Salerno, and everyone involved in the organisation of the European Universities Games. He praised the vibrant atmosphere of the Opening Ceremony, highlighting its dynamic and celebratory spirit, and thanked all participants and guests for attending. Reflecting on the past year, he described it as a year of remarkable achievements and excellent results, commending the National University Sports Associations for their dedication and outstanding contribution to university sport. He also took the opportunity to congratulate the recipients of the EUSA Order of Merit, thanking them for their commitment and valuable service to the university sports movement. 

After the official opening, the ceremony turned its attention to the associations, universities, and individuals who distinguished themselves through their participation, exceptional effort, and outstanding achievements during the 2026 European Universities Games.

The Most Successful University Award was given to the institution with the highest total points in the final EUSA annual ranking, with the University of Zagreb emerging as the winner. EUSA Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik presented the award to Jasenka Ostojic, Vice-Rector of the University of Zagreb.

The Most Successful National University Sports Association Award, which recognises outstanding results and final placement during the European Universities Championships 2025, was presented by EUSA Vice-President Ivana Ertlova to the University Sports Association of Poland (AZS), and was accepted by its President, Alojzy Nowak. 

The Most Active National University Sports Association Award, determined by the total number of university teams and participants, was won by the German University Sports Federation (ADH) for sending 622 athletes to the 2025 Championships. EUSA Executive Committee Member Cedric Terret presented the award to Sophia Kunder, who accepted it on behalf of the federation.

The Most Active University Award was claimed by the University of Zagreb for its exceptionally high level of participation, bringing 357 participants to the 2025 EUSA Championships. EUSA Executive Committee Member Nino Gigineshvili presented the award to Sanja Curkovic, Vice - President of the Zagreb Academic Sports Federation.

The Medal Winner Award, which recognises the university with the strongest overall medal record, went to the Hungarian University of Sports Science after they captured an incredible 10 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. EUSA Executive Committee Member Hemma Angerer presented the accolade to the university's Rector, Tamas Sterbenz.

The Enno Harms Fair Play Award, honouring exceptional sportsmanship, was presented jointly to Portugal's National Plan for Ethics in Sport & the European Universities Handball Championships 2025 Organising Committee for their innovative "white card" initiative in Covilha. The award was presented by EUSA Treasurer Francis Cirianni and European Fair Play Movement President Philippe Housiaux, and was accepted by Esmeralda Goncalinho, Joao Nunes, and Pedro Bernardo, representatives of the OC.

The EUSA Logotype Award, celebrating the best visual identity as voted on by the wider EUSA community, was won by the Organising Committee of the European Universities Table Tennis Championship Burdur 2025. EUSA Executive Committee Member Zoltan Rakaczki presented the award to Huseyin Dalgar, Rector of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University.

The evening continued by honouring individuals and partners whose long-term service and commitment have substantially contributed to the development of European university sport, by awarding the Medals of Appreciation.

The Medal of Appreciation Award for long-term commitment and service was awarded to Abosede Ajayi in recognition of her vital work as a member of the EUSA Medical Commission. EUSA Executive Committee Member Andreas Csonka presented the award, which was accepted on her behalf by Amy Garrett from British Universities and Colleges Sport.

The Medal of Appreciation Award for outstanding event organisation was presented to the Armenian State University of Economics for their strong commitment and successful delivery of the European Universities Chess Championship 2025 in Yerevan. EUSA Executive Committee Member Piotr Marszal presented the award to Grisha Amirkhanyan, who accepted it on behalf of the university.

The Medal of Appreciation Award for digital partnership was given to D-SPOT in recognition of their long-standing support and comprehensive development of EUSA's website and digital presence. EUSA Executive Committee Member Indre Celkiene presented the award to Gregor Stojanovic, CEO and founder of Dspot, accompanied by Anze Pratnemer and Gasper Markic.

The EUSA Order of Merit was presented to three distinguished individuals for their impactful leadership and lifelong commitment:

First Order of Merit was awarded by EUSA President Haris Pavletic to Massimo Zanotto for his outstanding contribution to organising the European Universities Winter Sports Championships in Val di Zoldo across two consecutive years. 

Order of Merit was also awarded to Milan Zvan for his long-term dedication and impactful service as a member of the EUSA Executive Committee. EUSA President Haris Pavletic presented the award. 

The third Order of Merit was presented by EUSA First Vice-President Bruno Barracosa to Joerg Foerster for his continuous leadership and active engagement within the EUSA Executive Committee. On his behalf, the award was accepted by Sebastian Sdrenka.

In a deeply moving moment, a posthumous Recognition Award was dedicated to Romano Isler as a tribute to a life defined by integrity, service, and passion for university sport. EUSA Honorary President Adam Roczek presented the award to Lorenzo Lentini, President of CUS Salerno (on behalf of FederCUSI President Antonio Dima), who took the stage and accepted it.

Concluding the memorable evening, EUSA extended its warmest gratitude to the enlarged EUSA Family, as well as the local hosts: the Italian University Sports Federation (FederCUSI), CUS Salerno, and the University of Salerno.

Following a short networking break, the day's events continued directly with the EUSA Forum, focusing on the main theme: “Empowering University Sport Grassroots & Innovation,” opening up vital discussions on good governance, safeguarding, and the future path of university sport across Europe.

For more information on the European Universities Games Salerno 2026, please visit the official website eug2026.eu.
For more information on EUSA Awards, please visit the related section on EUSA website.