The University of Zielona Góra has signed four new cooperation agreements aimed at supporting sports in the Lubusz region and promoting physical activity among children and youth. These collaborations will also benefit students, alumni, and staff of the University's Institute of Sport, Tourism, and Nutrition.
The university has a long-standing tradition of working with schools and institutions that promote sports. One notable example is its partnership with the School of Sports Championship in Zielona Góra (ZSMS). Previous joint efforts have included athlete diagnostics, student internships, and participation in sports events. The new agreement guarantees educational support, access to the University’s academic resources for both students and teachers, as well as joint initiatives such as educational activities and diagnostic research.
Additionally, a separate agreement was signed for the implementation of the “Training School” program, which allows physical education students to conduct classes directly at the school. The agreement with ZSMS was signed on behalf of the University by Dr. Barbara Literska, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Education, while Dr. Beata Joksz-Skibińska, the school’s principal, signed on behalf of ZSMS.
A new collaboration has also been established with Primary School No. 24, named after Polish Olympians (part of Educational Complex No. 4 in Zielona Góra). According to the school’s principal, Paweł Sroczyński: “This cooperation will involve the University of Zielona Góra taking our school and students under its patronage. It will enhance our educational offerings. Students in sports classes will be monitored by university researchers."
Two additional partnerships—with the Lubusz Voivodeship Sports and Recreation Center (WOSiR) in Drzonków and the Lubusz Sports Federation (LFS)—have been renewed and expanded with new initiatives promoting sports across the region. Bogusław Sułkowski, Director of WOSiR and Member of the LFS Board, emphasized: "Drzonków has long hosted interns, especially from the tourism and recreation programs. Last year we had eleven students, this year two. It remains a regular internship site. This year we have also developed a new project for children attending summer day camps. Around 900 children will participate. With parental consent, UZ researchers will conduct studies on physical fitness, posture defects, and body composition."
The partnership with LFS will also support the dual career development of student-athletes, enabling them to combine academic education with athletic training. These agreements were signed on behalf of the University by Rector Prof. Wojciech Strzyżewski.
The new opportunities have been enthusiastically welcomed by staff at the Institute of Sport, Tourism, and Nutrition. Dr. Bartłomiej Hes, Head of the Department of Sport and Health Promotion, expressed hope that the partnerships will support young people in developing professional careers: "We want students from sports schools to continue both their education and sports careers. These schools help them pursue their passions while learning. We are creating opportunities for them to continue their studies with us at the University of Zielona Góra."
During a meeting at the UZ Rectorate, the Director of the Institute, Dr. Ryszard Asienkiewicz, Prof. UZ, thanked the partnering institutions for their ongoing collaboration. He highlighted that since the launch of the physical education program, there has been a consistent demand in the job market for qualified specialists in the field.
