Split will host European University Games in 2028!

Split is hosting European University Games in 2028! This was decided on Saturday, April 20, in Aveiro, Portugal, where representatives from Split, Manisa in Turkey, and Granada in Spain presented their candidacies for organizing this great event before European University Sports Association’s Executive Board.

It will be the largest multi-sport event in Croatian history and the largest in Europe, in 2028, where more than 5,000 student-athletes from more than 400 European universities and from 45 countries in Europe will take part. With more than 2,000 volunteers, they will all gather around 19 sports, and although Split is hosting, Games will take place at more than 50 sports locations, that is, in the area covering Split-Dalmatia County’s 11 towns and cities.

Economic and social effects of organizing European University Games in Split and Croatia make this event one really profitable project. One that is supported by all pillars of Croatian society - Government of Republic of Croatia, regional, local and academic public.

We are extremely proud and grateful for the trust given us by the European University Sports Association. The city of Split and all its citizens will do their best to fulfill their expectations and expectations of the young people who will come to Split in 2028. After this manifestation we want them to say that we had the best European University Games ever!', said Mayor of Split, Ivica Puljak.

What the Games mean to Dalmatia, its promotion and the legacy that remains, was explained by Split-Dalmatia vice-prefect Stipe Čogelja:

"First of all, I have to say that I am really excited and happy that we won organization of these games, and I congratulate the whole team for their effort. Apart from the fact that this will be the biggest sports event in Croatia ever, I am proud that it will be held not only in Split, but in several cities of the Split-Dalmatia County. It will include all educational, tourist, sports and other organizations, and I am sure that the strong emotion that we normally have in sports will also be recognized.”

"We believed in the quality of our candidacy and we proudly return home in the hope that our entire community will seize this opportunity and maximize social benefits. Thank you to the entire nomination committee for a job well done, to all institutions and individuals who supported us wholeheartedly for the past few months,” concluded the first vice-president of the Croatian Academic Sports Association, Toni Gamulin.

Multiple economic and social effects will not only be short-term, positive effects for our society are even more important, which will primarily be manifested in infrastructure projects that will remain as European University Games 2028’ permanent legacy in Split.