EAS conference

The 22nd EAS Conference Facilitates Exchanges on Dual Career Development Across Europe

From 6 to 8 October 2025, the University of Latvia hosted the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the European Athlete as Student (EAS) Network in Riga, Latvia. The event gathered 82 delegates from 17 countries, who shared insights through 29 oral presentations, three workshops, six activity breaks, and two celebratory walks marking the 10th anniversary of the #BeActive Programme. ENGSO was present at the event.

During the opening ceremony, participants were welcomed by Prof. Ilvis Ābelkalns, President of the Organising Committee. Opening remarks were delivered by Enno Ence, Vice-Rector of the University of Latvia; Laura Capranica, EAS President; Raimonds Lazdiņš, President of the Latvian National Olympic Committee; and Agita Ābele, President of the Latvian Universities Sports Federation.

 

A keynote lecture by Izabela Pelczyńska (European Education and Culture Executive Agency – EACEA) on Erasmus+ funding opportunities for Dual Career initiatives inspired discussions on future collaborations. Sara Massini, Secretary General of ENGSO, presented the continuum between grassroots and elite sport and formalised cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding between EAS and ENGSO.

 

Further highlights included contributions from Fernando Parente (FISU Executive Committee Member) on “Dual Career – A Global Approach for Stakeholders”; Edgars Pukinskis (Deputy State Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Latvia) on “Legacy Dual Careers – Double Impact, Double Responsibility”; and Joerg Foerster (German University Sport Federation – adh) on the legacy of the FISU World University Games, with a focus on Dual Careers of Student-Para-Athletes.

 

The Bengt Nybelius Scholarship was awarded to Olga Papale (University of Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale, Italy), who presented her study “Eating Right, Sleeping Tight? The Evaluation of the Student-Athlete Paradox.”

Eas conference 2025

The programme also featured a presentation by Felipe Rodrigues da Costa, President of the Brazilian Association of Dual Career, on developing student-athlete support programmes in Brazil, followed by interactive Working Group Activities addressing transitions between high school, university, and employment in the context of Dual Career pathways.

 

The second day of the conference took place at the Rimi Olympic Centre, where presentations explored diverse perspectives on Dual Career, including:

  • Elite athletes’ awareness of Dual Career programmes in Latvia (Ruta Millere Celmiņa, Latvian Olympic Committee)
  • Basketball as an opportunity to earn an education (Klāvs Olšteins, Latvian Basketball Union)
  • Dual Career and Sustainable Development Goals (Jacopo Bouquet, Sport4Impact, Italy)
  • Plus 20 additional presentations covering topics such as mentorship, employability, mobility, inclusivity, and support for student-athletes across Europe and beyond.

 

During the General Assembly, led by EAS Secretary Ole Keldorf, members approved the activity report (presented by President Laura Capranica) and the financial report (presented by Treasurer Mojca Doupona). The Assembly also endorsed the proposal by Cristina Cortis to designate Sports as the official scientific journal of EAS.

 

The Assembly confirmed Flavia Guidotti, Alejandro Leiva-Arcas, and Malene Knudsen as members of the Next Generation EAS Committee, which will oversee the 2026 Bengt Nybelius Award and enhance the Network’s communication activities.

 

The 2026 EAS Conference was officially announced to take place in Oulu, Finland, from 5 to 7 October 2026, presented by Pekka Fredriksson, Jani Syrjäla, and Ismo Miettinen (Kastelli Upper Secondary Sport School). In addition, Håkan Ege (Collins Innovation, Norway) introduced Europe’s Sport Knowledge Hub – voicesport.eu.

 

Participants also enjoyed visits to the University of Latvia, Rimi Olympic Centre, Olympic Museum, and Riga’s historic architecture, concluding the event with a festive Gala Dinner.

 

More information: https://eas2025.lu.lv/news/news/