On 6 April, Easter Monday, 43 students together with staff members of the International Office and the Sports Office set off for Krakow within the framework of the Pannonia Scholarship Programme to face new challenges and take part in an unforgettable international sporting experience. Despite the early gathering, an amazing atmosphere quickly developed on the bus: students of different nationalities – Georgian, Kazakh, Vietnamese, and Chinese – soon found a welcoming community among the predominantly Hungarian participants, and the more than seven-hour journey flew by in no time.
Krakow – Sport Without Borders
After checking into their accommodation, the group immediately set out to explore the city. During the first evening’s free programme, the special flavours of Polish cuisine, the atmosphere of the Old Town, and the excitement of the upcoming matches further strengthened the sense of togetherness.
The first competition day was full of exciting events. The venue was the sports hall of the Krakow University of Economics, where jerseys were distributed after the gathering, followed by warm-ups. The morning was dedicated to volleyball, while basketball took centre stage in the afternoon. Our students entered the court confidently and in high spirits. Although our women’s volleyball team suffered a defeat after a hard-fought match, the mixed team took revenge and secured a victory against the Polish side.
We also excelled on the basketball court: brilliant moments from both the Hungarian and Asian players, combined with excellent team cohesion, resulted in a sweeping victory for BUEB. The team celebrated the day’s successes together in one of Krakow’s largest sports bars, where, after rounds of billiards, darts, and air hockey, everyone came to the same conclusion: here, everyone is a winner.
The final results, however, were only decided on the second day, when the rematches took place. Both the women’s and mixed volleyball teams returned to the court: the women’s team fought hard once again but was defeated, while the mixed team proved itself again and claimed another victory. Meanwhile, our basketball team dominated the court with unwavering confidence and concentration, securing yet another win.
Final Results:
- Women’s Volleyball: BUEB – AZS 0:2
- Mixed Volleyball: BUEB – AZS 2:0
- Basketball: BUEB – AZS 2:0
Regardless of the results, the players from both sides greatly contributed to strengthening the partnership between the two institutions through their sportsmanship and motivation.
During the evening programme, participants and accompanying colleagues enjoyed a pleasant walk through the Old Town, followed by a shared celebration.
The final day began with a tour of the facilities of the local Wisła Kraków sports club. Visiting the football stadium and basketball arena provided unique insight into the world of professional sports. The rest of the day once again belonged to the students, who said goodbye to the city with one final evening together.
The following morning, filled with experiences, slightly tired but enriched with countless memories, the group departed back to Hungary. On behalf of everyone, it can be said that the trip was not only about sporting achievements, but also about friendships, community, and experiences that crossed borders.
Furthermore, it was an especially valuable experience for both the International Office and the Sports Office staff to work together with the sports office of the Krakow university. The programme provided new opportunities for cooperation, closer collaboration, and a wealth of new professional experiences.
Congratulations to all participants – we are proud of you!