University Sport Gala in Warsaw

WARSAW – On October 28^th, a new academic sport season 2010/2011 has been opened in Warsaw, during the University Sport Gala, by members of the University Sport Association of Poland (AZS).  

The official opening took place in the Capitol Theater and simultaneously, a summary of the academic year 2009/2010 was presented.

Almost 200 guests attended the Gala, with rectors of the universities, trainers, medallists of the World University Championships, activists of the AZS and officials – minister of sport and tourism Adam Giersz, vice-minister of science and higher education Witold Jurek, chairman of the AZS Main Board Marek Rocki and rector of the Pedagogium (host of the Gala) among them. The best universities participating in the Polish University Championships (sport competitions for Polish students) were honored with gifts by the guests.

The best university was, like in the previous year, Warsaw University. Representatives of the winning university were awarded with medals, diplomas, cups and… a scooter by Yamaha – sponsor of the AZS. On the second place finished Warsaw University of Technology followed by The Silesian University of Technology.

Other persons who were successful in academic sport were also awarded during the gala by officials: medallists of the World University Championships in boxing, taekwondo, badminton, beach volleyball, canoeing, rowing, triathlon, archery, shooting, bridge and weightlifting, received diplomas, congratulations and decorative glass bells. Trainers of canoe sprint, weightlifting, athletics and bridge, received diplomas and watches with a dedication for outstanding achievements. A special award went to the organizers of three big academic events in Poland: AZS Poznan was honored for the organization of the EUC in Basketball, AZS Warsaw for the EUC in Volleyball and Football.

After the awarding ceremonies Slovak pianist Jozef Holly gave a piano concert for the guests.

Conference

The next day AZS members and activists met in the Warsaw University of Life Science at the conference “Academic environment and sport volunteering”.

The subject of the conference wasn’t accidental. After UEFA gave Poland and Ukraine the rights to organize Euro 2012, the interest of volunteering (especially sport volunteering) in Poland has increased. During the conference representatives of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism acquainted participants with activities promoting volunteering during the Polish presidency in the EU Council; representatives of the City Hall and company organizing Euro 2012 in Poland showed a process of seeking volunteers, preparing them to work in the biggest sport event in Poland; motivating and awarding volunteers.

As an organization based on volunteers, members of AZS shared with the participants of the conference experiences regarding cooperation with volunteers in organizing events and competitions.

(Source: Małgorzata Misiurek, AZS)

 Slovak pianist Jozef Holly