University of Split’s Rector, prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., and Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, signed the Cooperation Agreement on May 16th, in the presence of Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković, Minister of Science, Education, and Youth, prof. Radovan Fuchs Ph.D., and President of the Croatian Academic Sports Association, Haris Pavletić.
This is a historic event for our University, our city, the county, and Croatia, so I thank the Prime Minister and ministers for recognizing importance of European University Games 2028, from the very beginning. The very idea originated in Split; we received maximum support, prepared thoroughly, and presented ourselves well in Portugal. This agreement is one of the outcomes. - Rector Ljutić emphasized, adding that the construction of the sports centre, along with a new student dormitory, will complete the profile of University of Split, which is already recognized and achieving great results.
For a city like Split, with many Olympic medals and great sporting successes, strengthening infrastructure is always significant - Plenković said, reminding that Mediterranean Games enabled infrastructure development across Dalmatia, allowing hosting many sports here to this day.
The Prime Minister concluded that, with full support from the Government, in just over three years, City of Split will host games that will bring 5 to 6 thousand young people to the beautiful environment that Split, Dalmatia, and Croatia deserve.
The project of constructing the University Sports Centre will be fully financed from state budget. It will be a modern, multipurpose complex featuring indoor halls, outdoor sports fields, and all necessary facilities for training, from fitness to other activities. It will be a modern versatile complex capable of hosting competitions in various sports disciplines - Minister Glavina said, adding that the final project value is still pending, as preparing project documentation in cooperation with the University is next, but estimated cost comes up to 20 million euros.
According to what was announced, approximately 5,500 athletes from around 400 universities in 40 European countries will gather in Split. They will compete in 24 sports, including one for athletes with disabilities. European Academic Sports Association is the event's organizer, and hosting rights for 2028 have been assigned to Croatian Academic Sports Association.
Photo: Veljko Martinović / Dalmatinski portal
