In this month’s What’s Up student column, we reflect on the importance of cross-generational cooperation, showcasing the efforts of people from different generations working together. One such example can be seen through volunteering, also at EUSA events.

The theme of this year's EPAS Diversity Conference, Sport and Intergenerational Challenges for Young People and Older Persons, as well as the fact that EUSA Medal of Appreciation and Volunteer Award for 2024 was given to a more "experienced" person inspired us to emphasise the topic of intergenerational cooperation.

Dorota Luczak-Dydowicz and her twin sister Beata Luczak are from Poland are reaching 60 next year, and have participated in many EUSA sports events as a volunteer. Together with Beata's husband Francesco Acquasanta who also joined them, they give an example that there is no limit (age or otherwise) in doing things when you do them with passion. They participated in the European Universities Championships in 2023, European Universities Games in Debrecen - Miskolc last summer, and also at the European Universities Championships this year.

Dorota also received this year a special EUSA award for her enthusiasm, professionalism and positive energy during several EUSA events, and especially at the European Universities Games 2024. Last year we published a special interview as part of EUSA Insider, which we invite you to also read.

In it she discusses her motivations for volunteering, which were sparked by her twin sister, Beata. Dorota describes herself as an activist who enjoys helping others and has a background in sports. She details her first EUSA experience at the 2023 Tennis Championships in Granada, which she loved, and notes that interacting with the student-athletes made her feel young again. She strongly recommends volunteering for EUSA, highlighting the organization's commitment to promoting positive values like fair play, integrity, and respect - values she feels are disappearing elsewhere. The most exciting aspect for her is the "power of cheering," noting that volunteers' support directly contributes to the athletes' success and morale, making the volunteers feel like part of the team.

Dorota reflected the positive impact and connection between different generations at the EUSA events: "Among the student-athletes, I felt like I was 20 again. And although I was active from sunrise to sunset (at my own request): I remained happy."