EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue 2021

EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue 2021

Following the electoral General Assembly of the European University Sports Federation (EUSA) in Budapest, the EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue was organised on September 11 in the afternoon. The event was focused on the leaders of university sport in Europe and covered two main themes, relevant to the field of sport in higher education.

The event started with the opening addresses by the EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek and the Acting President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Mr Leonz Eder.

EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek

The first panel was on University Sports and the Covid-19 Pandemic: Impact and future perspectives. Moderated by Mr Lorenz Ursprung, the discussions covered the current situation and looked at examples of good practice.

The first two panellists were FISU Acting President Mr Leonz Eder,
and EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek, who reflected on the new reality, and shared their experiences of having to postpone and/or cancel the international university sport events.

FISU Acting President Mr Leonz Eder

The Vice-President of the Croatian Academic Sport Federation (HASS) Mr Haris Pavletic, and the President of the Czech University Sports Association (CAUS) Ms Ivana Ertlova shared the experiences of organising the national university sports championships, games and educational events also in this period.

Panel I: University Sports and the Covid-19 Pandemic: Impact and future perspectives

The second panel looked at the International and European University Sports Calendar in the current and upcoming year. Moderated by Ms Anna Edes, the panellists reflected on the planned university sport events in and beyond Europe.

FISU Development & NUSF Relations Manager Mr Tarmo Jaakson shared the plans of the celebrations of the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) in September, Winter Universiade Lucerne 2021 in December, Summer World University Games Chengdu 2022, Championships and World Cups 2022, as well as educational events.

EUSA Secretary General Mr Matjaz Pecovnik recalled the successes of the past EUSA events, as well as the great interest and desire of students, universities and associations for taking part in the European Universities Championships and Games. The calendar for 2022-2024 will bring the next seasons of the European Universities Games and the European Universities Championships, and the bidding for the events in 2025 (Championships) and 2026 (Games) is open.

The President of the German University Sports Federation (ADH) Mr Joerg Foerster shared the plans for the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr and the big support of student athletes behind the initiative.

Panel II: International and European University Sports Calendar 2021-2022

The coordinator of the European Universities Games Lodz 2022 Ms Tatsiana Andruska presented the concept of the EUSA's flagship event, which is to be hosted next year in Poland. The local hosts are working with the university and city officials, as well as with other key stakeholders, in hosting the much-awaited event for student athletes, celebrating sport and education, also engaging with university and organisation leaders continent-wide.

The EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue, as well as the preceding EUSA General Assembly were organised by the European University Sports Association (EUSA), hosted by the Hungarian University Sports Federation (MEFS) in cooperation with the University of Physical Education (TF), and supported also by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

For more photos, please visit the EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue 2021 photo album.