Interview with Jan Druzina, EUSA anti-doping ambassador.

We met Jan, so that he can tell us more about this project, from an insider point of view.
Hello Jan, can you first briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Jan Družina and I’m 20 years old. I come from a small town called Logatec in Slovenia. Since my childhood I’ve played only one sport and I’m still playing it: Skijumping. I’ve practiced this sport for 15 years now and my personal best is 187 meters in Planica this year. I’m also studying sports at the University of Ljubljana, which I really find interesting. Since this year I’m also involved in of University Sport, and I’m helping there as much as I can.

How did you learn about this project and how did you get involved in it?

During my studies I’ve noticed an application form on EUSA website (www.eusa.eu), to become an Anti-Doping Junior Ambassador. I really liked the topic, so I applied. When the results came out, I was thrilled to see my name on it. So now I’m a part of University Sport, which is something I really like to do.

What exactly is your involvement in this project?

As I was chosen to become an ambassador, my next step was training and education about doping. Five ambassadors from EUSA went to a camp in Burghausen in Germany. There were around 50 ambassadors from 9 different associations, coming from all over the world. In our 4 days educational program we’ve learned every detail about doping, and we also got some advices about passing this information to younger sportsmen, sportswomen and their coaches.

Can you tell us more on how exactly was the Camp in Burghausen?

Camp was really exciting. I’ve met a lot of interesting people from all around the world. We were there for 4 days, and we had lectures pretty much all day. Between every lecture, we had teambuilding games so we could also trust each other and work as a team. In the evening, we had introductions about every country and association. And of course, there were parties almost every day. On one day, we went to the city on a tour and a concert. Everybody liked staying there, and we can’t wait to visit Innsbruck for 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012.

So now that you are an "Anti-Doping Junior Ambassador", what are the next steps?

After the Camp, we started with promotion of anti-doping in our country. I also joined other Slovenian ambassadors, which are working for Olympic Committee of Slovenia. We already did a lot of promotion since then. Lectures took place on Bled for Slovenian EYOF (European Youth Olympic Festival) team and also Junior Olympic Team. We were also part of world championships in rowing, that took place in Slovenia. Now our main goal is to give lectures to every high school with sports classes in Slovenia about this theme. We already had our first lecture, which turned out great.

Thank you Jan, we wish you the best in promoting the anti-doping values. You have an important mission and we are sure you and all the other anti-doping ambassadors will carry it to successful end.

Photos: Matej Oder