European University Sports Association - First 10 years: 1999-2009

152 EUSA

first 10 years

1999-2009 EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS ASSOCIATION Continental Federations

The Oceania University Sports Association began as an idea

amongst leaders of FISU who felt that the 5th Continental

Association needed to be formed to complete the FISU fam-

ily. At that time, four Oceania countries were members of

FISU – Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, New Zea-

land and Papua New Guinea. Several other countries had

participated in FISU events over the years, but had not of-

ficially formed university sports bodies in their countries.

In 2007, a small group of individuals began work to form

the regional university sport body. Members met in Bangkok

during 2007 Universiade to discuss future activities to move

the organization forward. Efforts began in several countries

to form NUSFs, and countries prepared to meet for the first

General Assembly of Oceania University Sports Association.

The first official meeting of OUSA took place in February,

2009 in Samoa. FISU and CDSU officials, Stefan Bergh and

Kole Gjeloshaj were present to lead an education seminar

and assist with the proceedings. The meeting was successful

and the organization was formed. Inaugural member coun-

tries were then challenged to work on the formation of their

NUSFs, and membership with FISU for the 2009 FISU Gen-

eral Assembly in Belgrade. Over the 18 months, between the

Oceania University Sports Association