8 EUSA
first 10 years
Foreword by the Editor
I
t seems to me like it was yesterday, when Mr. Balent, in 1999 the President
of the Slovenian University Sports Association (SUSA), returned from Vienna
and announced that European University Sports Association was born. At that
time, being the Secretary General of SUSA I was not aware of the changes this
news will bring not only to me, but also to the federation I was involved in.
The idea and goals of the newly born association inspired us all a lot and we
started to work actively to realise the new mission that EUSA brought also to the
National University Sports Associations in Europe.
I had luck and privilege to be present at the first European University Championships
organised in 2001 and 2002, and many editions after. The same goes also for my
involvement in the work of the EUSA Executive Committee from 2003 on.
When I presented the idea to write a book on the occasion of association’s 10th
Anniversary I could not imagine the number of pleasant memories this travel in
the past will bring back to me.
Although this book describes the main EUSA milestones of and reports from our
events, the EUSA history is much more.
It is also each individual story of the persons involved in the work of the association
or the participants in our events. It is the committed work of our delegates and the
enthusiasm of championships ́ organisers. It is also the pride of the student athletes
marching on the opening ceremonies and rectors receiving the awards. It is the joy
of student volunteers working on our events and new friendships born during these
events. It is also happiness of the editor of this book meeting his future wife on the
European University Volleyball Championship in 2001.
Yes, EUSA is a story that unites people from all over the Europe and worldwide. I
hope you will enjoy reading this book that describes the growth of the association
in its first ten years. If you are not a part of our story yet, I hope it will inspire
you to join us.
On the occasion of publishing the book, I would like to thank both of our
Presidents, Alberto and Enno, with whom I had a great privilege and honour
to work with, for their support and trust. The same goes also for all the board
members, delegates and other friends from our EUSA Family. Special thanks to
Otmar, President of SUSA, for his encouragement and help. I am grateful also to
Andrej, Adam, Sara and Danijela, my co-workers in the EUSA office, for their
contribution in preparation of this project.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my wife Slavica for her support
during all the past years.I wish you pleasant reading!Matjaž Pecovnikˇ