On December 11, a special event was held at the European Parliament in Brussels, during which Rzeszów officially received the title of European City of Sport 2026.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Rzeszów: His Magnificence Rector of the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Adam Reich, MD, PhD, and Dean of the Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences at the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Wojciech Czarny, thus emphasizing the important role of the university in the development of sport and physical culture in the region.

The decision to begin efforts to obtain the title of European City of Sport 2026 was announced in March 2025 at the University Athletics Center of the University of Rzeszów. It was there, during a press conference, that the Mayor of Rzeszów, Konrad Fijołek, accompanied by the authorities of the University of Rzeszów and Rzeszów athletes, officially announced the city's candidacy.

“Today, we are announcing Rzeszów's candidacy for the European City of Sport 2026. Let this signal go to Brussels – we want to win! We will be a city of sport, no matter what,” emphasized Konrad Fijołek, Mayor of Rzeszów, at the time.

The title of European City of Sport 2026, received at the European Parliament, is not only a source of pride, but also confirmation that long-term strategy, wise investments, and close cooperation with academic centers, including the University of Rzeszów, bring measurable results.

Through its scientific, educational, and infrastructural activities, the University of Rzeszów plays a key role in shaping the city's sporting identity and in preparing future generations of specialists in the field of physical culture and sport.