EUSA Insider:
Maja Pokorniecka
Age: 24
Place of Birth: Bydgoszcz, Poland
University: University of Kazimierz Wielki
in Bydgoszcz (POL)
Published: 23 February 2018
Describe how and why did you get involved with EUSA Volunteer Programme?
In 2016 I was a member of the OC of WUC Shooting Sport 2016 held in Bydgoszcz, Poland. During that event I met a few FISU members and one of them encouraged me to participate in Winter Universiade 2017 as a volunteer. A few months before I arrived in Almaty my federation had sent an application and we became the next organizers of the EUC Handball 2019. As I much enjoyed being a volunteer during the WU 2017 I decided that it would be great if I could be a volunteer during EUC Handball 2017 in Antequera!
"It was the best volunteering experience for me"
Tell us about your involvement in sport.
Since I was a little girl I have been playing handball and soccer. So sport was always present in my life. After I injured my knee I decided that I still want to be involved in sports but in a different way. At first I helped in organization of small local running events, but then my BA supervisor told me about a job opportunity as a translator during WUC Shooting 2016. I got the job and after some time it was clear to me that being only a translator is not enough for me and I dedicated myself to the organization of that event.
Describe your experience of volunteering at the European Universities Championships 2017. Is this your first time volunteering at an international sports event?
During EUC Handball 2017 I met lots of awesome people and actually managed to make new friends. Everyone there was so open minded and friendly that I felt like home there. The members of the OC were so helpful and when they got to know that I will be a member of the next OC they wanted me to work with them in the competition office and taught me how the system works and explained me anything I needed to know.
"It also gives you a chance to travel, get to know many people, their culture and traditions, develop your skills, and create unforgettable memories."
In addition, as it was my second time as a volunteer I managed to comprehend the volunteer’s needs and now I can better understand the value of the work volunteers do during every event. Concerning the shifts, volunteers worked for 4 hours a day and lived in highly satisfying conditions along with the athletes which is very important for volunteers to be treated equally. I had a lot of free time and could also support my Polish team during the event. All in all, I managed to become a better member of the next OC which was my aim and also met great people there. It was the best volunteering experience for me.
In 2018 the European Universities Games 2018 will take place in Coimbra, Portugal, we would love to see you there again! Will you apply again for the EUSA Volunteer Programme?
Yeah, for sure I will!
This is your chance! What is your message to young Europeans interested in volunteering?
If you love sport and want to be involved in an organization of a sporting event, volunteering is your best opportunity to do it. What is more, it also gives you a chance to travel, get to know many people, their culture and traditions, develop your skills, and create unforgettable memories. So if you have such an awesome opportunity just jump on it! You certainly won't regret it!
EUSA would like to thank Maja for her hard work at Antequera, as well the work in other university sport events! We are looking forward to hopefully seeing you in Coimbra for the games!
