EUSA delegation visits Kosovo

EUSA delegation visits Kosovo

Delegation of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), represented by its President Mr Adam Roczek and Sports Manager Mr Besim Aliti, visited Pristina from September 24-26, attending several important meetings, as well as events related to the European Week of Sport.

EUSA representatives were welcomed by Kosovo University Sports Federation (FUSK), represented by its President Mr Musa Selimi, as well as the Federation’s board members and the office, and were accompanied by the President of Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF) Mr Zrinko Custonja and President of Albanian Federation of University Sport (FSHSU) Mr Besnik Veliu.

Visiting the stadium

The first day EUSA delegation visited some of the sport facilities in Pristina, among the others the newly renovated City Stadium, which recently hosted the first official UEFA match between Kosovo and Faroe Islands. In the afternoon, EUSA attended sport activities supporting #letsidus and #beactive campaigns at the Faculty of Sport in Pristina.

Reception at the Ministry

The second day EUSA and the accompanied delegation met the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Mr Kujtim Gashi. A Press Conference followed, highlighting the importance of the EUSA visit and contribution to the development of University Sport in Kosovo, showing commitment and progress of the Kosovo University Sports Federation. Mr Gashi also declared that sport is one of the priorities in the Ministry and assured logistic and financial support, as well as support the intention of FUSK to apply for hosting one of the European Universities Championships in 2021.

EUSA delegation and guests with the Mayor of Pristina

In the afternoon, EUSA visited the Mayor’s office in Pristina and met the Mayor Mr Shpend Ahmeti, who thanked EUSA for visiting his office and said that Pristina is by population the youngest capital city in Europe with 50% of the population younger than 25 years and 70% of the population younger than 35 years. In addition, he highlighted that City of Pristina is committed to develop the sport in general, with a special interest on developing School and University sport. He added that the City will fully support the bid to host an EUSA sport event. EUSA President thanked the City of Pristina and complimented the hospitality of the City as well as the potential for sport development.

EUSA President with the Rector of the Hasan Pristina University

Later on, EUSA Delegation visited the Rector of Hasan Pristina University Mr Marjan Dema, who thanked the EUSA Delegation for a visit and congratulated EUSA for great organization of the European Universities Games Coimbra 2018, including the Rectors' Conference, which he attended. He emphasized that The Hasan Pristina University has a goal and strong intentions to make the sport program in the University, as well as international participation stronger and that they will fully support the work of the Kosovo University Sport Federation.

Promotion of exercise and physical activities

The third day, EUSA Sports Manager Mr Aliti attended the opening Ceremony of the European Week of sport in Kosovo, together with the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport and the Presidents of Croatian and Albanian NUSAs. The event was also attended by Mr Enver Idrizi, karate legend known for winning several World and European titles. Kosovo NUSA President Mr Selimi thanked all the participants for attending, and especially the students, who later on competed in different sport disciplines.

#beactive activities

EUSA President Mr Roczek congratulated Kosovo University Sports Federation for their proactivity and great work for the period since they became full members of EUSA this April and emphasized that with the support of the Ministry and other relevant institutions, the Federation has a great environment to become an active member of the university sports community.