Croatian Academic Sports Federation celebrates milestone 30th anniversary

The Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF) celebrated a major milestone on 7 February 2024, marking its 30th anniversary at an event held at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport in Zagreb. The event not only commemorated the federation’s three decades of service but also honoured outstanding athletes and teams from the past academic year.

In his opening address, Haris Pavletic, President of CASF, expressed gratitude to the dedicated members of the CASF Board, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to the Federation’s growth. He acknowledged the invaluable support of the state and higher education institutions, sports authorities, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and FISU. Pavletic also highlighted significant milestones, including the creation of a commemorative book, a special edition of UniSport Magazine, as well as CASF’s bid to host the EUSA Games in 2028 in Split, contending with Granada, Spain, and Manisa, Türkiye.

The gala attracted esteemed guests from the realms of sport, higher education, and government, including Mr. Zoran Milanović, President of Croatia, Mrs. Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Professor Dragan Ljutić, President of the Croatian Rector’s Conference. Each dignitary underscored the pivotal role of sport in the lives of university students and pledged continued support to CASF, commending its achievements over the past three decades.

Leonz Eder, President of FISU, extended warm congratulations in a letter to CASF on its 30th anniversary, lauding its contributions to university sports locally, regionally, and globally. He expressed anticipation for CASF’s future endeavours, emphasizing its commitment to fostering sportsmanship and international cooperation. Within the realm of FISU, CASF has left an indelible mark by successfully hosting several prestigious events, with three held in Zagreb – the 14^th Summer Universiade, the 5th World University Championships in Rowing in 1998, and the 1st World University Championships in Kayak also in 1998 – as well as the 7th World University Championships in Bridge in Opatija in 2014.

In early August of this year, CASF is set to host the FISU World University Championships Cheerleading in Split, where the University of Split distinguished itself as the first FISU Healthy Campus university in Croatia. Also in August, CASF will organize the FISU World Forum in Zagreb, exploring the theme “University Sport: Creating a Better World,” reaffirming its dedication to shaping the future of university sports and promoting a global community united by health, sportsmanship, and excellence.

As CASF celebrates its 30th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of excellence in Croatian university sports, poised to continue its legacy of fostering athletic talent and promoting the values of fair play and international solidarity for years to come.