The University of Ljubljana hosts a celebratory reception and exhibition to mark the outstanding sports achievements of students in the 2025/2026 competition season

At the forefront of this year’s reception was a focus on the accessibility of university sports, the diversity of programmes and the creation of an environment that fosters inclusion in sports and exercise irrespective of prior experience or competitive level.

Those in attendance were addressed by the UL Rector, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, the Vice-Rector for the Arts and Sport, Prof. Mag. Matjaž Drevenšek, the President of the Slovenian University Sports Association, Klemen Kristan, the Deputy President of ŠZUL, Mag. Matej Jamnik, and member of the Executive Committee of ŠZUL, Assoc. Prof. Dr Janez Vodičar. The speakers underlined the importance of the long-term development of university sports, the accessibility of programmes and the role of sports as an important part of the university space, which serves to strengthen responsibility, affiliation, a healthy lifestyle and excellence.

The UL Rector told listeners: “The University of Ljubljana is enormously proud of its students whose outstanding achievements show that it is possible to successfully combine academic excellence and top-level sports. Their achievements are not just personal successes, they contribute significantly to the reputation and prominence of the University of Ljubljana at home and internationally. For this reason we are sincerely grateful to them. Our commitment remains to continue providing for our athletes the most supportive environment possible, one which will enable the coordination of academic and sports obligations and the development of their potentials. The university is a place of knowledge, creativity and research, and it is also a place where it is possible to shape the values of cooperation, discipline and responsibility, which are especially enhanced by sports. I am delighted that we have in our ranks so many exceptional individuals who embody these values every day.”

The Vice-Rector for the Arts and Sport, Prof. Mag. Matjaž Drevenšek, noted: “At the University of Ljubljana we strive to ensure that sports and exercise are not just intended for competitors, but are becoming an important part of everyday life for the widest possible circle of students. For this reason we are developing programmes that promote movement, a healthy lifestyle and involvement in sports at all levels, from recreational to elite. Here I am especially pleased that among our students there are also numerous elite athletes, whose achievements are an inspiration for the university community and who represent the University of Ljubljana at the highest national and international competitions. Their successes confirm that the university environment can contribute significantly to the development of athletic excellence, while at the same time remaining a place of high-quality study and personal growth.”

To Salerno with a record delegation

UL at the European Universities Games The celebratory reception was also the official introduction to UL’s appearance at the European Universities Games Salerno 2026, which will be held from 18 July to 1 August 2026. UL will be represented by its biggest delegation to date: 72 athletes, who will compete in eight different sports including basketball 5 x 5, indoor volleyball, futsal, basketball 3 x 3, beach volley, handball and table tennis.

Opening of exhibition and a look ahead to the European Universities Games 2026

A particular high point of the event was the opening of the exhibition of UL sports achievements at the UL Gallery, offering an overview of the athletic successes of students and symbolically opening a new chapter in the international university competition period.

The exhibition will be open for viewing from 30 June to 21 July 2026, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 4 pm (entrance from Vegova Street).

Complete vertical of university sports

In the 2025/2026 season UL again confirmed the functioning of the integrated system of university sports – from recreational and activation programmes, university championships and league competitions to national and international university arenas. The fundamental mission remains clear: enable a wide range of sports, the inclusion of as many students as possible and the development of individuals and teams that achieve top results.

In this year’s season UL students:

• appeared at 15 one-day university sports championships;
• participated in 7 year-long university league competitions;
• competed in 22 different sports;
• participated in 10 free sports and recreation events intended for the wider student population;
• represented UL at national university championships in 18 different sports.