Upon the invitation of the Albanian University Sports Federation (AUSF), the President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Mr Adam Roczek and EUSA Sports Manager Mr Besim Aliti, visited Tirana between November 21 and 23, 2018.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss further development of Albanian University Sports Federation, increase their activity and participation at EUSA events, as well as to demonstrate strong support of the key institutions and stakeholders to the national university sports body in Albania. In addition, the AUSF has expressed the intention to bid for hosting the European Universities Championship in 2021.



Mr Roczek and Mr Aliti, accompanied by Mr Musa Selimi, the President of Kosovo University Sports Federation, invited as a guest by AUSF, were welcomed by the AUSF President Mr Besnik Veliu and his team. During the visit, they met with the Ministry of Education and Sport, represented by the Minister Ms Lindita Nikolla, the Albanian Olympic Committee represented by its President Mr Viron Bezhani and Secretary General Mr Stavri Bello, the Albanian Football Federation, represented by its President Mr Armando Duka, as well as the City of Tirana, represented by the Vice-Mayor Mr Arbjan Mazniku.

Both, the Minister of Education and Sports Ms Nikolla and Vice-Mayor Mr Mazniku, highlighted that they will continue supporting the Albanian University Sports Federation, hopefully with even more activities and direct involvement. Furthermore, they expressed they would support hosting an EUSA event in 2021, since it would have a huge importance for the city and the country, being one of the biggest sport events ever held in Albania. In addition, they highlighted that Tirana is a young city with huge developments and holding such event would additionally boost the development of the city as well as increase the international visibility and recognition.



The National Olympic Committee committed to fully support the candidature and potential delivery of the event. As the Olympic Committee is actively working in education and dual careers they find this as a perfect opportunity to start a very close collaboration with the AUSF and Universities directly. The NOC President highlighted that this event would be a platform to develop University Sport in Albania.



At the meeting with the Albanian Football Federation, Mr Duka emphasized that they are fully supporting the Albanian University Sports Federation and it was agreed that they would start a National University Football Championship from 2019 in cooperation with AUSF.



EUSA President Mr Roczek thanked the host, Mr Veliu, and all institutions for organizing the meetings. He emphasized that it is important for Albanian University Sports Federation to bid for hosting EUSA events as well as on increasing the participation at EUSA events and general activity in University Sports movement.