On 23 April, the University of Rzeszów became a hub of inspiration, energy and dialogue for the young generation. This was all thanks to the RZE(SPARK) event – an open, city-wide gathering aimed at secondary school pupils, students and young adults, whose aim was to inspire, educate and actively involve young people in discovering and helping to shape Rzeszów.

The event was organised by the City of Rzeszów as part of the Urban Lab Rzeszów – City for Young People project, in collaboration with the University of Rzeszów and the local sports community. Its significance is particularly heightened by Rzeszów’s achievement of the title of European City of Sport 2026.

The centrepiece of the programme was the Youth Stage – City for Young People, which transformed the university space into a dynamic forum for the exchange of experiences and ideas. The event’s format drew on popular TEDx-style talks – invited guests gave short, impactful presentations to share their stories, passions and paths to success.

The stage became a meeting place for various communities: academia, sport, social and urban activities. It was at the University of Rzeszów that the main part of the talks took place, highlighting the university’s role as a space for intergenerational dialogue, the exchange of ideas and the co-creation of the city of the future.

The event programme attracted a large number of participants, and the list of speakers featured many well-known names. Among those who took to the stage were:

• Mateusz Święcicki – journalist and sports commentator
• Marcin Kostera – Polish Parasnowboard Champion
• Kacper “Kacpa” Lachowicz – basketball coach and sports promoter
• Aldona Morawiec – Polish national basketball player
• Oliwia Nincevic – influencer and podcaster (sport, wellbeing)
• Kamila “Kelli” Wróbel – influencer and entrepreneur
• Bartosz Ostałowski – racing driver and drifter
• Kinga Ożóg – fitness gymnast and online content creator
• Bartosz Bednorz – volleyball player, Polish international and European champion
• Jakub Zwiastowski – coach and steeplechase athlete

Each talk was short, dynamic and full of authenticity – focusing on experiences, challenges and motivation that can inspire young people to take action.

The event was moderated by Kuba Niziński, a radio journalist and sports commentator, who skilfully led the session, ensuring it had both pace and coherence.