105 years of sport education in Latvia

6 September marks the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the first higher education institution in Latvia specialising in sport. Its traditions are continued today by the RSU Academy of Sport. For more than a century, it has made a significant contribution to the development of Latvian sport and education, training professionals in sport and healthcare. 

From physical education courses to the RSU Academy of Sport 

Sport education in Latvia dates back to 1918, when teacher training courses were first introduced. 

On 6 September 1921, the Latvian Institute of Physical Education was established, becoming the first higher education institution in Latvia specialising in sport. 

In 1946, the Latvian State Institute of Physical Culture was founded, which became the Latvian Academy of Sport Education in 1992. 

On 1 July 2024, the Latvian Academy of Sport Education was integrated into Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), while on 1 September 2026, it began operating under a new name – RSU Academy of Sport. 

12,000 sports specialists 

Since 1921, the Academy has trained more than 12,000 sports and healthcare specialists. 

Its graduates include 150 Olympians, 29 of whom have won Olympic medals. They include Olympic champions Jānis Lūsis, Uļjana Semjonova and Igors Vihrovs, as well as many other outstanding Latvian sports figures. 

Study, sport and research all under one roof 

On 9 September, three days after the 105th anniversary of the RSU Academy of Sport, the new RSU Sports Centre at 3 Cigoriņu iela in Pārdaugava will be officially opened. 

The new sports centre will provide broader opportunities for students of the RSU Academy of Sport to complement their theoretical knowledge with practical experience, advance sports science and create an environment where study, research and sport are intertwined in a contemporary setting. 

The centre will feature a sports hall that meets international standards for basketball and volleyball, a gym and multifunctional halls, as well as science and research laboratories, physiotherapy facilities, etc. 

Development continues 

We wish the RSU Academy of Sport continued success in inspiring and educating the next generation of sports professionals, while maintaining its academic spirit and unity. Here’s to growth and success!