EUSA Insider:
Monika Chlebek
Age: 26
Place of Birth: Bochnia, Poland
University: Jagiellonian University (POL)
Published: 13 April 2018
Describe how and why did you get involved with EUSA Volunteer Programme?
My adventure with sport volunteering started with the EUC Futsal 2015 held in Poznań. I was looking for a way to spend holidays differently but still stay active and totally by accident I came across the news about the event and when I got to the part where it was written that the organizers were looking for volunteers, I didn’t think twice. Later other events took place, among them the EUC Handball 2017 where I was a part of the Organizing Committee, and then in one moment, it turned out I don’t have to wait for holidays anymore to do what I really like and what brings plenty of joy and satisfaction, as the the organization of sport events became my work.
"I was a part of the Organizing Committee, and then in one moment, it turned out I don’t have to wait for holidays anymore to do what I really like and what brings plenty of joy and satisfaction"
Tell us about your involvement in sport.
I won’t be original if I say that sport has always played an important role in my life. All thanks to my Dad who took me to the football matches when I was a tot. And from then there was no way back. I have started to watch football and volleyball competitions intertwined and later I only added some more disciplines. Not to be seen as a couch potato though, I must say that I did some sport by myself – I practised swimming for a couple of years.
Describe your experience of volunteering at the European Universities Championships 2017. Is this your first time volunteering at an international sports event?
During the European Universities Football Championship 2017 in Porto, I was a sport officer and I had to make sure that the matches run smoothly. It gave me the opportunity to stay really close to the competition and the fact that I was able to see and work in almost every venue let me to have a full overview of the event. I had participated in international events before but every competition is different, so also this time the experience was accompanied by the thrill of emotion and expectancy.
"Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and open up for new possibilities and abilities that volunteering can give you."
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?
After the EUG 2016 experience in Zagreb, I will definitely try to take part in this year’s edition!
This is your chance! What is your message to young Europeans interested in volunteering?
Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and open up for new possibilities and abilities that volunteering can give you. In my case, there is no doubt it was worth it, as now I am one of these privileged persons that do the job they like. I am working in the national top league football club, which has always been a dream to me.
EUSA would like to thank Monika for her hard work in both Porto and Antequera, as well the work in other university sport events in the past! We are looking forward to hopefully seeing you in Coimbra for the games!
