On Saturday, 28 June 2025, the Student Culture Zone at Rzeszów University of Technology became the heart of the academic sports world – the venue for the Podkarpackie Academic Sports Gala, organised by the AZS Regional Board in Rzeszów. This event not only summarised the achievements of the past year but also served as a true celebration of individuals driven by passion, determination, and a deep commitment to sport.

This extraordinary gathering brought together the entire academic sports community – student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, partners, and sponsors – all those who, over the past year, have shaped the strength and spirit of the Academic Sports Association (AZS) in the Podkarpackie region. The gala was also attended by members of parliament, representatives of municipal and provincial authorities, university rectors and vice-rectors, as well as numerous representatives of higher education institutions. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the AZS Secretary General, Mr Dariusz Piekut.

The gala was formally opened by Professor Janusz Zieliński, President of the AZS Regional Board in Rzeszów, who welcomed the guests and reminded everyone of the mission and strength embodied by AZS – the largest and oldest academic sports organisation in Poland. He proudly highlighted the significant contribution of the Podkarpackie region to national sporting success.

A particularly momentous part of the evening was the presentation of the Silver and Gold AZS Badges – honours awarded for outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of academic sport.

The Silver AZS Badges were awarded to representatives of the University of Rzeszów Academic Sports Club (KU AZS UR):

• Emilia Dąbek – student, athlete in the athletics section, and member of the club board;
• Gabriela Tworek, MA – graduate in physical education, player for AZS Developres II in volleyball;
• Patryk Marszałek, MA – coach of the athletics section, academic at the Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences;
• Dr Krzysztof Piróg – coach of the table tennis section, player for KU AZS Iberbis Rzeszów, and club board member.

The Gold AZS Badges were presented to:

• Professor Iwona Tabaczek-Bejster, – Director of the Office for Students with Disabilities;
• Wiesław Gołda, MA – academic at the Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences, coach of the AMP football gold medallists.

The highlight of the gala was the awarding of trophies and diplomas to the universities that competed in the Podkarpackie Academic Championships. In the medal table, the University of Rzeszów dominated the competition, claiming 17 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze medals, ahead of Rzeszów University of Technology, PANS Krosno, and other regional institutions.

In the overall points ranking, the battle for victory remained undecided until the very end. The University of Rzeszów finished in second place, trailing by just half a point behind Rzeszów University of Technology (337.5 points). While this symbolic silver may not be the top of the podium, for the entire university community it was a testament to the strength and excellence our institution represents both regionally and nationally. For the first time in years, we did not secure the overall gold – but the competition was truly worthy of champions.

Receiving the trophies and diplomas on behalf of the University of Rzeszów were: His Magnificence Rector Professor Adam Reich, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Teaching – Professor Sabina Grabowska, and President of KU AZS UR – Mateusz Salamon, MA.

Among the gala’s special guests were our sporting heroes – medallists of the Polish Academic Championships: gold-winning footballers, silver-medal-winning women’s football team, and individual champions in cross-country running, athletics, chess, and powerlifting. Their achievements are a testament to the professionalism, effort, and exceptional passion that continues to thrive at our university.

The 2024/2025 academic year will go down in golden letters in the sporting history of the University of Rzeszów. Our institution secured 12th place nationwide out of more than 130 point-scoring universities, and 5th place among all Polish universities – a historic success that reflects UR’s growing position at the forefront of academic sport in the country.

After the official part of the evening, it was time to celebrate together – to pose for photographs in the spotlight, and to enjoy a well-earned evening of dance and joy, uniting the AZS community until the early hours.

May these successes serve as an inspiration for the years to come. Academic sport in Podkarpackie is thriving – and its future looks even brighter.