Our History

Since its founding in 1997, ENAS has transformed from a small, informal group of institutions into a thriving network of over 120 institutional members across 20+ European countries. With a full-time staff member and a comprehensive annual training and development program, including the flagship Annual Forum, ENAS has become a cornerstone of university sports in Europe. In recent years, ENAS has actively collaborated with key partners such as FISU and the European Commission, while also building strong international ties with organizations like NIRSA, its North American counterpart.

DISCOVER OUR ENAS HISTORY BOOK
Our Honorary member Jos Clijsters has beautifully captured our history since 1997 in a stunning book. Packed with photos, stories, and memorable moments, it's available to browse online for free or order as a keepsake. The book is available at this link.

Roll of Honorary Members

To honor the individuals who have shaped its remarkable growth, ENAS awards Honorary Membership, presented at the Annual Forum with a framed certificate and gold ENAS pin badge. These leaders, celebrated for their contributions, are proudly listed in the Roll of Honorary Members below:

Ms Andrée Delmas
University of the Provence, France
Awarded: 10th November 2007, Ghent
President: Peter Lynen | Secretary General: João Roquette

Mr Peter Lynen
University of Aachen, Germany
Awarded: 7th November 2009, Tel Aviv
President: Neil Mosley | Secretary General: Bertrand Robert

Mr João Roquette
University of Lisbon, Portugal
Awarded: 7th November 2009, Tel Aviv
President: Neil Mosley | Secretary General: Bertrand Robert

Mr Jos Clijsters
University of Liège, Belgium
Awarded: 7th November 2009, Tel Aviv
President: Neil Mosley | Secretary General: Bertrand Robert

Mr Asbjørn Amundsen
University of Oslo, Norway
Awarded: 6th November 2010, Barcelona
President: Neil Mosley | Secretary General: Bertrand Robert

Mr Marco Obrist
University of Basel, Switzerland
Awarded: 10th November 2012, Lisbon
President: Duarte Lopes | Secretary General: Bertrand Robert

Mrs Pika Radmilovic
University of Maribor, Slovenia
Awarded: 9th November 2013, Limerick
President: Duarte Lopes | Secretary General: Bertrand Robert

Mr Neil Mosley
Imperial College, London
Awarded: 8th November 2016, Malta
President: Michelle Tanner | Secretary General: Mel Parker

Mr Gerro Dijksma
University of Groningen, Netherlands
Awarded: 8th November 2016, Malta
President: Michelle Tanner | Secretary General: Mel Parker

Mr Duarte Lopes
University of Lisbon, Portugal
Awarded: 14th November 2017, Trondheim
President: Michelle Tanner | Secretary General: Mel Parker

Mr Arie Rosenzweig
Tel Aviv University, Israel
Awarded: 14th November 2017, Trondheim
President: Michelle Tanner | Secretary General: Mel Parker

Mr Rob Cuppen
Radboud University, Netherlands
Awarded: 13th November 2018, Neijmegan
President: Mel Parker | Secretary General: Bruno Almeida

Mrs Michelle Tanner
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Awarded: 7th November 2019, Trento
President: Mel Parker | Secretary General: Bruno Almeida

Mr Brian Mullins (posthumous honour to tribute its legacy in ENAS)
University College Dublin, Ireland
Awarded: 10th of November 2023, Aachen
President: Mel Parker | Secretary General: Tiago Fernandes

Mr Bruno Almeida
University of Porto, Portugal
Awarded: 11th of November 2024, Belfast
President: Mel Parker | Secretary General: Tiago Fernandes

The Annual Asbjørn Cup

Every year, during the ENAS Forum & Assembly, we honor the legacy of a remarkable man who embodied the spirit of ENAS—Asbjørn Amundsen through a friendly sports completion: The ENAS Asbjørn Cup. The cup, first introduced in 2011, is more than just a competition; it’s a tribute to friendship, laughter, and the unforgettable team spirit that Asbjørn cherished.

Who Was Asbjørn Amundsen?

Asbjørn Amundsen was more than a founding father of ENAS—he was its heartbeat. Known affectionately as “The Viking”, he brought unparalleled energy, humor, and passion to our community. Whether he was hosting the ENAS Conference in Oslo or securing vital sponsorships as a member of the Executive Committee, Asbjørn’s contributions were profound.

He inspired us all with his love of sport and life, making sure that everyone, from colleagues to participants, found joy and meaning in their experiences. His larger-than-life personality, paired with his professionalism, made him truly one of a kind.

We lost Asbjørn a few years ago, but his impact remains timeless. He lives on in our hearts as the ultimate coach, mentor, and friend.

Why the Asbjørn Cup?

The Asbjørn Cup is our way of keeping his spirit alive. It’s a celebration of the values he stood for—friendship, fun, and camaraderie. This lively and joyful competition reminds us to honor Asbjørn’s legacy by coming together, playing together, and cherishing the moments that make ENAS truly special.

Raise a toast to Asbjørn this year at the ENAS Forum. Let’s make memories he’d be proud of!
R.I.P., Asbjørn—our eternal Viking and coach!