On November 18, the world’s first national student sport museum was opened at the Lithuanian University of Sport (LSU). During the ceremony, the President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), Leonz Eder, was awarded the LSU Honorary Doctorate.
Back in January, LSU awarded the title of Honorary Doctor to Leonz Ederis in recognition of his work in the international development and promotion of student sport.
“A memorable moment. Today we are celebrating not only the 100 years anniversary of the Lithuanian Student Sports Association (LSSA) but also the opening of the world’s first national museum of student sports. I am also very happy to receive this honorable award from LSU. I believe that this Honorary Doctorate is not only for me but also for the whole student sports movement,” said the FISU President.
At the opening ceremony of the Lithuanian Student Sports Museum, the opening ribbon was cut by Leonz Ederis, LSU Rector Diana Rėklaitienė, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport Linas Obcarskas, and President of the Lithuanian Student Sports Association Česlovas Garbaliauskas.
“The significance of this Honorary Doctor’s inauguration and the opening of the Student Sports Museum is to promote the student sports movement because these are young people who need to be physically active. It is very important for universities to provide opportunities for athletes who have not reached a high level of excellence, but do not want to end their sporting career, to continue to pursue their career – this is what LSU offers.
I also think that student sport should have a more prominent place in the sports system itself and be much more visible,” said LSU Rector Diana Rėklaitienė.
According to the Vice-Minister of Sport, the world’s first student sports museum not only inspires us to look at the past but also encourages us to think about the future.
“This museum has a very strong symbolic meaning. I am happy that we have the opportunity to create such a museum and to be the first in the world. We have a very rich history of student sport and I hope that this museum will show the continuity of history-making”, said Mr. Obcarskas.
Mr. Eder rejoiced in the fact that the student sports movement, which had stalled during the coronavirus pandemic, is now slowly recovering.
“After the pandemic, we came back with the European Student Games in Lodz, Poland, with 5 400 students. Not all countries are at the same level, but most of them are ready to keep growing. Especially after university communities start to realize the benefits of student sport,” said the new LSU Honorary Doctor.
Mr. Eder has been involved in FISU for over a decade, serving as Vice President for six years (from 2015 to 2021), and was elected President in 2021. Since 2003, he has repeatedly chaired the organizing committees of the Summer and Winter Universiades and has been one of the organizers of the World Championships of student sports (golf, equestrian, triathlon, skiing, indoor football, orienteering, chess, tennis).
“Leonz started his career as a regular student. Later on, we co-founded the European Student Sports Association and have always been good friends. Today, together we are celebrating the 100 years anniversary of the LSSA and the opening of the world’s first national museum of student sport. You know, you can’t have any bigger dream than that,” said LSSA President Česlovas Garbaliauskas about his colleague.
The current FISU President is also actively involved in EUSA (European University Students Association), a coordinating body for student development in Europe. He was the Treasurer of EUSA from 2005 to 2012 and was elected Vice President of EUSA from 2012 to 2015.
Leonz Eder has joined the circle of the LSU Honorary Doctorates, which includes many renowned representatives of sports, politics, business, and other fields. Among them is President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, LSU alumnus, Olympic, World, and European basketball champion Modestas Paulauskas, Professor of Karolinska Institute (Sweden) Hakan Westerblad, legendary basketball player Arvydas Sabonis and others.
