EUSA Insider:
Ilona Matijevic
Age: 25
Place of Birth: Vukovar, Croatia
University: University of J.J. Strossmayer (CRO)
Published: 20 April 2018
Describe how and why did you get involved with volunteering at EUSA events?
In 2015 city of Osijek and my university were the host of 11th European universities football championship. That was an opportunity I've waited for a long time and simply couldn't miss (because my dream is to be a journalist at Summer Olympics. As my basketball coach is involved in student sports office he asked me to help him few months before the competition and trusted me with some huge responsibilities. During the championship, I ran the press center and actually that was the place I spent all other championships I volunteer on. I can say that press center is my happy place.
"European Universities Championships is a unique experience where you will come to work with big smile every day and want to work more"
Tell us about your involvement in sport.
I was basketball player for the last 12 years. Basketball shaped the flow of my life because it was the reason I moved from my parents’ house when I was 16 and the reason why I picked Osijek to study instead of enrolling a different University.
I am grateful I chose a sports path because it led me to beautiful destinations, allowed me to meet incredible people and to collect precious memories.
Describe your experience at the European Universities Championships 2017. You played in Miskolc and volunteered in Split, how did you manage that?
I have to say it was really great to be part of European championship from the different side of the story. Miskolc did a great job in welcoming competitors, we had a great accommodation and food in their student campus, amusing opening ceremony and very good venues. There weren't many obligatory activities beside the matches so we had time to relax and make friends (Greetings to University of Lubin and University of Primorska). As a journalist, I paid attention to that part of the organization - firstly I was surprised I couldn't find any article but then I found out they are making daily bulletins, and providing live stats of every game.
On the same day we had a departure in Miskolc I went to Split to be part of their triple championship. There is really nothing much to say about Split. That was their third championship if I'm not wrong - beautiful organization, historical city core and big three S´s : sun, sea and spectacle. I hope Split will be a host for more championships
"It is a place where you will build up your character, visit new places and maybe make life-lasting friendships."
In 2018 the European Universities Games 2018 will take place in Coimbra, Portugal, we would love to see you there again! Did you decide if you will be a volunteer or an athlete?
I'm definitely not going as an athlete because University of J.J is coming only with volleyball team this year but I want to be part of it as a volunteer and I've already applied.
This is your chance! What is your message to young Europeans interested in volunteering?
I can assure you that volunteering on European Universities Championships is a unique experience where you will come to work with big smile every day and want to work more. It is a place where you will build up your character, visit new places and maybe make life-lasting friendships.
I will conclude with an old saying - “Volunteering isn't paid, not because it's worthless, but because it's priceless.”
EUSA would like to thank Ilona for both competing and volunteering at EUSA Universitiy Sport events! We are looking forward to hopefully seeing you in Coimbra for the games!
