On October 29 and 30, 2026, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) attended the second edition of the CRUI4Sport Rectors Conference organised by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI) and hosted by the University of Molise (UNIMOL) in Campobasso, Italy. The event focused on integrating sports, holistic well-being, and active lifestyles into the core of the Italian university system. EUSA’s participation underscores our ongoing commitment to collaborating with national academic bodies to elevate university and collegiate sports, contributing to healthy campuses across Europe.

The two-day conference brought together university rectors, sports delegates and guests. The discussions and working sessions focused on four core pillars: dual career, training modules on sport and well-being, governance and university policies, sports events and university representation.

During the plenary session on Friday, October 30, EUSA shared its strategic vision alongside leading Italian academics and sports managers. EUSA Director of Projects and Policies Andrej Pisl delivered a presentation titled "Active campuses, healthy future: initiatives towards holistic health for university students". The contribution not only reflected on the successful edition of the European Universities Games held in Salerno this past summer, but also highlighted EUSA's dedication to shifting the paradigm beyond elite competitive sports, ensuring that physical activity, mental well-being, and active lifestyles are accessible to the wider academic community.

The session also featured prof Francesco Paolo Adorno from the University of Salerno who reflected on the EUSA experience in Salerno, highlighting the legacy of hosting the European universities flagship event, as well as shared some lessons learned.

The CRUI4Sport conference serves as a platform to network, share experiences and develop sports and recreational offers at universities and Italian university sports network. Currently, seven Italian universities proudly stand as EUSA Associated members. The Italian commitment to European university sports is further demonstrated by the remarkable participation and hosting activity. Over the past two years alone, Italy has successfully hosted European Universities Championships across five different sports, as well as the flagship European Universities Games featuring 13 sports.

As CRUI4Sport maps out its future priorities, including the goal to establish structured sports departments within universities to support all students - also those who currently do not practise physical activity, EUSA remains dedicated to supporting these national initiatives. The collaborative momentum in Campobasso will undoubtedly continue to generate new strategies, share vital expertise, and foster a connected, healthy, and active future for students across Italy and the broader European university community.

For more information, please see https://www.crui.it/archivio-notizie/crui4sport-dal-molise-nuovi-passi-per-lo-sport-nella-formazione-universitaria.html