In preparation for the next edition of the European Universities Games in Belgrade 2020, the local organising committee welcomed more than 80 participants to the EUSA EUG2020 Belgrade Convention between May 30 and June 1, 2019.

EUSA Technical Commission, EUSA Office Staff, EUG2020 Organising Committee, and representatives from Serbia’s National and Regional Sport Federations all came together to prepare for next year’s major sporting event.



The convention participants were welcomed by OC General Director Mr Predrag Juskovic, University Sport Federation of Serbia (USSS) President Mr Dejan Madic, and EUSA Technical Commission Chair Mr Joerg Foerster.



Providing an introduction of the governing body of university sport in Europe, EUSA Sports Manager Mr Besim Aliti took to the stage before Mr Sandro Romanic, OC Accommodation and Catering Director presented the Organising Committee to the audience.



Mr Aliti returned to the stage to focus on the operational aspects of managing EUSA sport events, inviting Mr Liam Smith, EUSA Assistant Sports Manager to discuss Result Management and Live Streaming.



Following a short break, Ms Lea Medvesek, EUSA Sports Assistant presented the registration and accreditation system, process and related practicalities.



Ms Ana Todoric, OC Sports Director presented the proposed sport programme, as well as the steps taken so far in the sports sector.  Closely linked to the sports sector, Mr Akim Komnenic, OC Venue Director joined Ana on stage to discuss the proposed venues for the different sports.



Expert guest speaker Mr Neil Carney spoke about event management, and the need to create a positive working culture in the organising committee.
Mr Joerg Foerster presented the role of the EUSA Technical Delegates and emphasised the need for open communication with all involved stakeholders.



To finish the first day, a Panel Discussion was organised, moderated by Mr Smith. Guests, Mr Carney, Mr Foerster, Mr Aliti and Ms Todoric touched on many relevant topics such as volunteer management and how to engage the local people in the event.



Also the audience was able to take part in the discussion, raising various questions, ranging from ensuring participation to the future of sport.



On the second day of the event, the EUSA technical delegates and representatives from Serbia’s National and Regional Sport Federations had the opportunity to visit the respective proposed sport venues.



The technical delegates had a chance to share their evaluation of the sport venues, including the renovations that are needed to improve certain venues so that they are in line with EUSA standards.



The Convention was part of the knowledge sharing process within the Supporting Mobility and Good Practice Exchange in University Sport, supported by the European Union.

For more information about the European Universities Games 2020, please see www.eug2020.eu and follow eug2020 on social media.