Ten years ago, the Croatian cities of Zagreb and Rijeka united to host the third edition of the European Universities Games, setting new benchmarks and writing a historic chapter in the development of university sports in Croatia, as well as wider in Europe. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of this unforgettable multi-sport event, a special retrospective exhibition was officially opened in Zagreb on July 8.

Organised by the Croatian Academic Sports Federation in cooperation with the Croatian Sports Museum, the exhibition serves as a tribute to the efforts, outstanding sporting achievements, and the legacy of the 2016 European Universities Games. Through an array of photographs, archival materials, and official memorabilia, including the popular event mascot Hrki the hamster, visitors are invited to relive the vibrant atmosphere that captivated the host cities a decade ago. This temporary exhibition in Zagreb is part of the main sports exhibit, and is open to the public and will be featured until the end of October 2026.

The European University Sports Association (EUSA) was proudly represented at the exhibition's opening ceremony by its President Haris Pavletic; Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik; and Director of Projects & Policy Andrej Pisl. The EUSA delegation joined the local organizers, university officials, city representatives, and athletes who gathered to share their fondest memories of the event.

During the opening, officials reflected on the incredible milestone that EUG 2016 represented. The Games in Zagreb and Rijeka gathered over 5,000 student-athletes representing more than 400 universities from 41 European countries, who competed across 21 sports. The 2016 edition was especially groundbreaking, as it was the first EUSA event in history to successfully integrate sports for students with disabilities into the official programme, featuring para-swimming and para-table tennis.

Held under the unifying slogan "Heart Believes - Mind Achieves," the 2016 Games left a substantial infrastructural and social legacy. Upgraded student dormitories and sports facilities in both host cities while igniting a massive wave of enthusiasm for student sports, dual careers, and volunteerism across the region is part of this legacy.

As the European University Sports Association continues to grow and look forward to future competitions, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of Zagreb-Rijeka 2016, as well as all other editions of this flagship EUSA sports event. First introduced in 2012, the Games traditionally feature not only sports competitions but also educational, cultural, and social activities. Next week, the upcoming edition of the European Universities Games in Salerno will already start gathering participants from all over Europe to write the next chapter in EUSA history.