The European University Sports Association (EUSA) staff, together with student-athletes, National University Sports Associations (NUSAs), volunteers, and partner institutions across Europe, are celebrating today the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) 2026, while also gearing up for the upcoming European Week of Sport (EWOS).

Following a remarkable summer highlighted by the successful European Universities Games 2026 in Salerno, Italy, and the European Universities Championships of Rowing (in Zagreb, Croatia) and Combat Sports (in Tirana, Albania), EUSA continues to champion physical activity, healthy living, dual careers, and sport values within higher education institutions across the continent.

As celebrated every year on September 20 since 2016, when the International Day of University Sport was officially proclaimed by UNESCO in partnership with the International University Sports Federation (FISU), this day aims to build strong connections between universities and their local communities through sport, movement, and education.

This year marks a special milestone as IDUS celebrates its 10th anniversary. For the anniversary edition, FISU has introduced the global “10 years – 10 kilometres” concept, inviting universities and university sport organisations to organise a 10-kilometre activity on 20 September. Whether taking place on campus, through cities or on water, the initiative encourages participants around the world to come together, be active and contribute to a collective global celebration.

The #LetsIDUS initiative provides a global platform to exchange ideas and best practices on key topics in university sports development, raise awareness of the role of physical activity in higher education, and highlight the work of university sports governing bodies.

IDUS celebrations will extend into the coming weeks, merging with the European Commission's #BeActive campaign for the European Week of Sport, celebrated annually from September 23 to 30. EUSA will mark both occasions with a range of educational and promotional activities.

EUSA will carry the momentum of the #LetsIDUS and #BeActive campaigns into its autumn schedule, including the upcoming EUSA Students Run, the Executive Committee Meeting, and EUSA Convention, with member federations and international partners.

We warmly invite all our members, partners, universities, and student communities across Europe to join us in celebrating IDUS and the European Week of Sport in their own unique ways, and to share their activities, photos, and initiatives with us across social media.

For more information on the International Day of University Sport and 2026 #IDUS, please see: fisu.net/2026/09/19/happy-birthday-idus