Students and professors at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Sarajevo now have access to fully renovated sports facilities, thanks to a strong partnership between the European Union, the Canton of Sarajevo, and the University.

The completion of the works was marked today at a joint event organised by the Faculty, the EU Office in BiH, and the Sarajevo Canton, as part of the Europe Day 2025 celebrations. The ceremony brought together students, professors, school directors, athletes, representatives of sports associations, and government officials.

The European Union provided €480,000 through the EU4SPORT project, for the renovation and modernisation of the multi-sports hall, reconstruction of the façade and roof, and upgrades to the Institute for Health, improving conditions for both education and training. The ceremony was concluded by the official opening of the Faculty’s indoor swimming pool complex, which was renovated with funding from the Government of Sarajevo Canton.

The Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Luigi Soreca stated: “I am very happy to be here on Europe Day it is a special moment to celebrate not only Europe but the values of Europe. We will inaugurate today an important investment we did together with the Canton Sarajevo. The EU’s investment of 1 million BAM is part of broader EU support in 16 localities across the country worth 4.2 million BAM. The European Unpin that we celebrate today is a vision, but is also made of concrete projects. Today, like yesterday, like tomorrow we are going to support BiH.”

This investment in the rehabilitation of the Faculty is part of the EU4SPORT project, worth 2.1 million euros, which supported the renovation of 16 sports halls to improve educational and sports conditions for young people across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The indoor swimming pool complex at the Faculty, funded by the Sarajevo Canton, includes two pools, a larger one measuring 25 x 15 meters and a smaller one measuring 15 x 8 meters. Currently in use for student classes and exercises, the pools are also planned to be opened to the wider public, including sports clubs and recreational users.

Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk stated: “Whoever chose this day, congratulations. On the day we mark Europe Day, the Day of Victory over Fascism, and Golden Lily Day, we are also opening this swimming pool. The Government of Sarajevo Canton invested 4.7 million BAM in the reconstruction of the pool, and I am proud that this was realized during my term. I would like to thank the Dean for accelerating the processes so that we could open a pool that will be available not only to students and professors to raise the quality of teaching, but also to all citizens of Sarajevo, to all children and athletes, especially in this part of the city."

Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology Prof Dr. Ifet Mahmutović stated: Today, the Faculty is also marking a historic fact, as we are the only faculty in Eastern Europe that has all sports facilities within its campus. This has been made possible thanks to the support of the European Union and the Sarajevo Canton, who invested significant funds. I would also like to thank the University, which invested around 410,000 KM to install a new boiler room to support all these accompanying facilities, both for the faculty and for recreational purposes."

This event marked the completion of all renovation works and brought together students and school representatives from across the country. In addition to the six schools in Sarajevo, schools in Ustikolina, Zenica, Visoko, Vogošća, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Teslić, Rogatica, Šipovo and Istočno Novo Sarajevo have all benefited from upgraded sports halls, improved lighting, heating systems and new roofs.

The EU will remain a strong and reliable partner in building opportunities for young people and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path toward the European Union. In this spirit, Europe Day celebrations continue across the country, with concerts, quizzes, workshops and more.