European Universities Games
Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1

“Ciao Italia”: the baton passes to Split

The first historic Italian edition of the European Universities Games has come to an end. The University of Salerno had the honor of hosting – as the first national university venue – this major, special event. Amidst a wave of chants, hugs, vivid colors, and flags, the EUG 2026 Organizing Committee – comprisingUNISA, CUS Salerno, and ADISURC – bid farewell to athletes, volunteers, and delegations from across Europe.

During the Closing Ceremony held in Piazza del Sapere, Rector Virgilio D’Antonio stated: «Over these two unforgettable weeks, the University of Salerno has had the honor of welcoming thousands of young people from all parts of Europe. The student-athletes arrived on our campus representing diverse countries, universities, and traditions, yet together they embodied a single, vibrant community united by the values of friendship and sport. They built an ideal bridge between Salerno and Europe, echoing the great tradition of the Medical School of Salerno. The legacy of this event is invaluable. It goes far beyond infrastructure and internationalization, as undeniably important as these aspects are for any university. The true legacy we commit to preserving is that of a campus that is increasingly lively, inclusive, and international. In many ways, these two weeks of the European Universities Games have demonstrated the immense potential of our University and what we can become in the years ahead».

«The European Universities Games prove once again», stated Emilio Di Marzio, President of ADISURC, «that the right to higher education is not limited to housing, dining halls, and scholarships. Sport can also serve as a strategic lever for student growth. In recent weeks, thanks to extraordinary teamwork, ADISURC doubled the available beds and tripled the meals served in our dining halls. This effort is part of a system that supports over 180,000 students every year, guarantees scholarships to 100% of eligible applicants, assists approximately 34,000 beneficiaries, and manages a network of eight university residences. The Games have come to an end, but they leave us with the awareness that an efficient student welfare system is a powerful resource for making Campania more attractive, inclusive, and competitive – both for students and for the entire community. These Games have shown that high-quality services are essential to hosting international events. This experience reinforces the role of universities in Campania and confirms the strategic value of investments in the right to education».

«These Games will remain an indelible memory for all of us», declared Lorenzo Lentini, President of CUS Salerno. «Following the 2019 Summer Universiade in Naples, we are truly proud to have brought the European Universities Games to Italy, the Mezzogiorno, and Salerno for the very first time. The Opening Ceremony in Piazza della Libertà, in the presence of thousands of people, will remain one of the iconic images of our city. That day, we asked the athletes if they were ready. They proved to be far more prepared than expected: extraordinary, going well beyond our highest expectations. They competed with fairness, celebrated victory with humility, and accepted defeat with honor, turning every court, arena, and square into a celebration. But the most beautiful sight was seeing how the city, the University, and the entire local community embraced these young men and women who arrived from every corner of Europe. Salerno opened its arms, and the athletes filled them with joy. We are certain that these student-athletes will return home carrying with them not only medals and unforgettable sporting memories, but also the history of this ancient land and the warmth of its people. The lights of the Games may have dimmed, but the flame lit by these young people will continue to shine within each of us and across all of Europe. Passion Never Ends!».

Among the key strengths of EUG Salerno 2026 was undoubtedly its network of connections: first and foremost, those with the 13 municipalities across the provinces of Salerno and Avellino – which made their sports facilities available – alongside the support received from other local institutions, from the Prefecture to the Questura and the Provincial Authorities.

Representing all municipalities, the President of the Mayors of Campania, Francesco Morra, addressed the audience: “The Salerno 2026 European Universities Games have shown how sport can be an extraordinary tool for dialogue, inclusion, and growth for young people and local areas. Representing the Mayors of Campania on this occasion means reiterating the increasingly central role of Municipalities in welcoming and supporting events of international scope – events capable of generating opportunities, highlighting local areas, and leaving a legacy of growth, participation, and development. Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful experience possible. Sport passes, but the values it conveys remain.”

The closing remarks were delivered by EUSA President Haris Pavletic: “After these 15 days in Salerno, we take home wonderful memories built on commitment and expertise. Dear athletes, our primary thanks go to you: thank you for being here, and for the passion, determination, and emotion you brought to the field. Thank you for everything you shared. I must say that these Games would not have been possible without the organizers—the University of Salerno, CUS Salerno, and ADISURC—with the support of the Campania Region and FederCusi. I must also thank the EUSA staff and the EUSA volunteers who covered the entire event. Thank you Italy, thank you Salerno, and see you in Split.”

Before concluding, the EUSA President, in accordance with protocol, extended a word of thanks to two volunteers selected to represent the entire Games 2026 Volunteer Workforce for their dedication throughout the event: Aleksandra Marczewska from Poland and Vicente Albuquerque from Portugal. They received warm applause from the crowd in the Piazza.

The heart of the Closing Ceremony of the European Universities Games 2026 was the official handover of the EUSA (European University Sports Association) flag.

The University of Salerno passed the iconic banner to the University of Split (Croatia), which will host the 2028 European Universities Games!

This solemn moment bridging the past, present, and future of university sports was formalized by Rector Virgilio D’Antonio, EUSA President Haris Pavletic, and CUS Salerno President Lorenzo Lentini, who entrusted the symbol of the Games to the new organizers: Toni Gamulin (President of the EUG 2028 Committee), Nikola Koceic Bilan (Rector-elect of the University of Split) and Tomislav Suta (Mayor of Split).

Congratulations to the city and the University of Split! The EUG 2026 organizing team stands ready to offer its full support for this intense new European university sports adventure.