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Dual Career as a tool for holistic development

10 October 2024
The panel discussion about "Sport in School and University" at the EAS Conference and General Assembly in Katowice.

Longtime partner FISU was present at the recent The European Athlete as Student (EAS) – dual career network annual Conference and General Assembly held in the 2024 European City of Science, Katowice.

At the invitation of EAS President, Laura Capranica, Bill Thompson, member of the International University Sports Federation’s Education Committee presented a range of its educational workings, showcasing the recent Dual Career Toolkit for FISU members, the Rhine- Ruhr 2025 World Conference and FISU’s future Dual Career webinars.

Fruitful cooperation

EAS President Dr. Capranica commented: “The views and insights from the FISU Dual Career Programme contributed to exchanges of ideas for future projects and actions aiming to progress the European discourse in sports. I am looking forward to future fruitful cooperation between FISU and EAS, particularly in the light of a holistic development of the sportspersons (e.g., athletes, coaches, and sports managers).”

The official programme began at the Academy of Physical Education (AWF) in Katowice, the University host of the event. On the first day, key lectures were held by Adam Zajac (Academy of Physical Education in Katowice – AWF) regarding their support programme for high performance athletes; Izabela Pelczynska (European Education and Culture Executive Agency – EACEA) discussed upcoming Erasmus + funding opportunities; and Antonio Tessitore (European Network of Sport Education – ENSE) regarding the Collaboration between EAS and ENSE.

Bill Thompson (FISU Education Committee Member) with Maciej Wyderka, Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games 800m Gold winner, 2024 Paris Olympian and a current AWF Katowice student.

Day 2 was moved to the Silesian Stadium which recently hosted the 2024 Diamond League Athletics and will be the site for the 2028 European Athletics Championship, where a Panel Discussion titled “Sport in School and University”, chaired by Piotr Rodak, featured Weronika Nowakowska as a former Olympian and sport professional; Marianna Pikul from Academic Sports Association of Poland – AZS; Krzysztof Wilusz, Vice-Dean of AWF Katowice, and Maciej Wyderka.  Maciej was the 2021 FISU World University Games, Chengdu 800m Gold winner along with being a current AWF Katowice student and 2024 Paris Olympian. They shared from their perspective the importance and experiences of dual career support.

Written by Bill Thompson, photos courtesy of the organising committee