Successful EUSA Conference and Gala 2017

COIMBRA - EUSA Conference 2017 entitled ‘Fostering Inclusion and Well-Being through Sport’, organised by the European University Sports Association (EUSA), in cooperation with the Portuguese Academic Federation of University Sport (FADU) was held on 7 and 8 April in Coimbra, Portugal – host of the European Universities Games 2018.

Over 150 participant from all over Europe and the world participated in the Conference, held at the Tryp Hotel in Coimbra, among them representatives of the EUSA member federations, universities, cities, international and continental federations, EUSA partners and events organisers.

Welcome speeches were given by the President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Mr Adam Roczek, President of Portuguese Academic Federation of University Sport (FADU) Mr Daniel Monteiro, Councillor of Sports and Youth at Coimbra City Hall Mr Carlos Cidade, FISU 1st Vice-President Mr Leonz Eder, President of FISU America Mr Alim Maluf Neto, and Asian University Sport Federation assessor Mr Ayub Hanafih.

Through a 2-day programme, the programme of the conference included four plenary sessions - Using Sport to Promote Inclusion and Equality; European Universities Games; Challenges of Creating a Lasting Legacy of Sustainability; and Activating Europe, as well as four workshops - Providing a Place for Volunteers and Opportunities for Youth; Safeguarding in Sport and Engaging Students – Good Practices; and Ways to Use Social Media to Promote the Sport Events.

FISU 1st VP Leonz Eder

FISU also actively took part in a few sessions. First, in a workshop on social media, Mr Leonz Eder and Mr Fernando Parente provided insight into how FISU uses social media as a way to promote the Universiades, World University Championships and other sport events. At this occasion also Mr Shih-Ming You, Deputy CEO of the Summer Universiade in Taipei City presented activities planned for this largest university sport event, governed by FISU.

The fourth plenary of the conference gathered all of the participants together for the final session, entitled Activating Europe, and included speakers from the European Commission, FISU, and EUSA. The session began with the FISU’s 1st Vice President Mr Leonz Eder, who shared how the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) has been able to promote sport at universities and the rest of the public.

FISU delegates Cabral (VP) and Eder (1st VP) with EUSA President Roczek and FISU America President Neto

Once EUSA Conference 2017 has concluded, the participants were invited to see more of the city of Coimbra, including a venue visit of the European Universities Games 2018. This part of the day started at the University of Coimbra, where the participants visited the UNESCO Heritage University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia and the famous Joanine Library, stunning Baroque building situated in historic centre of the University. After a further tour of the complex, the participants visited venues, which will be used during the EUG next year.

To conclude a packed weekend of activities, Saturday evening entertained a spectacular EUSA Gala in the extraordinary Sao Francisco Convent in Coimbra, welcoming over 200 invited participants. The event once more had a special blue-tie dress code, a variant of the traditional formal black-tie, incorporating EUSA colours. The annual EUSA Gala is dedicated to honouring the achievements, top sports results and continued commitment to European university sport, focusing on the previous year.

More information: www.eusa.eu

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