The third generation of our volunteer and leadership academy, UniSport ViLA, officially begins on March 21st, and as tradition goes, the first day is dedicated to introductory lectures. This day lays the foundation for everything that follows – participants will gain insight into the world of university sports, international volunteering, and leadership, while also meeting the experts and organizations that shape the sports landscape.
The opening lecture will explore the topic “What is University Sport and What Are the Opportunities for Volunteering”, featuring presentations and discussions with three key organizations that play a major role in developing university sports at the national, European, and global level: the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (HASS), the European University Sports Association (EUSA), and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
Why is volunteering in sport so important?
How does university sport operate on a global scale?
What opportunities are available to students who want to get involved in organizing sporting events?
These are just some of the topics our distinguished speakers will address, sharing their rich experience and inspiring participants to engage actively in the university sports movement.
Meet Our Top-Level Speakers
Toni Gamulin
First Vice President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, President of the Split Academic Sports Federation, and one of the original creators of the UniSport concept. He has led numerous projects that have revolutionized Croatian student sports, with the St. Duje International Rowing Regatta being one of the most iconic. His long-standing commitment to sports has resulted in the successful organization of many major events in Croatia, such as the European University Games Zagreb-Rijeka 2016, the World Handball Championship in Split 2018, and the European Water Polo Championship in Split 2022, where the Spaladium Arena was transformed into a water polo pool – along with numerous other European and global events.
Albina Rakhmatullina
A key figure in the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA) and head of the FISU Student Ambassadors program. She has been volunteering since 2008 and has participated in the organization of major sporting events including the Olympic Games, EuroSkills, WorldSkills, and the FIFA World Cup. Named Volunteer of the Year in Kazan in 2010, she also led the development and implementation of the “English 4U” course and book, which trained volunteers in 20 Russian cities. Albina is also actively involved in FISU’s Healthy Campus project.
Andrej Pišl
Project Manager at the European University Sports Association (EUSA) with extensive experience in organizing sports events and working with volunteers. Before joining EUSA, he served as Executive Secretary of the Slovenian University Sports Association and was President of the sports club Out in Slovenia. His expertise includes project writing and management, event organization, and volunteer coordination – experience he is eager to share with young people looking to enter the field of sports management.
Ivana Aničić
Project Manager of UniSport ViLA and legal & volunteer affairs advisor at HASS. Though a lawyer by profession, she has devoted her career to developing volunteer programs. She was the first Croatian representative and student ambassador at FISU’s Volunteer Leaders Academy. Ivana has created volunteer programs for all major national and international sports events, including the UniSport Finals and the European University Games Zagreb-Rijeka 2016, which involved more than 1,600 volunteers – the largest volunteer program in Croatia to date. As the visionary behind the UniSport ViLA academy, she is constantly seeking ways to improve the program and provide young people with even better opportunities for growth and development.
Join us on the first day of the academy and find out how you can become part of the international university sports community – applications are still open for a few more days!
Comments are closed