The University of Gdańsk has signed an agreement with Olivia Centre, under which it has awarded the modern business centre the title of Patron of Academic Sport at the University of Gdańsk. ‘I am convinced that this partnership will enable us to strengthen academic sport,’ emphasised the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. Piotr Stepnowski.
The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of Olivia Centre by President Maciej Grabski and Board Member Grzegorz Kidybiński, and on behalf of the University of Gdańsk by Rector of the University of Gdańsk prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, Director of the Centre for Physical Education and Sport (CWFiS) Tomasz Aftański and President of ASA UG Piotr Walczak. The agreement provides for cooperation between both parties in the field of sport, including support for league teams, university sport, and sporting events of both a local and national nature.
‘The agreement is part of the University of Gdańsk’s strategy aimed at building strong, responsible partnerships with the socio-economic environment. We regard university sport as a key element in the development of the university’s social capital,’ said Rector of the University of Gdańsk, Prof. Piotr Stepnowski. ‘The award of the title of Patron of Academic Sport at the University of Gdańsk is a recognition of our cooperation with Olivia Centre, based on shared values and social responsibility. I am convinced that this partnership will enable us to strengthen academic sport.’
‘Academic sport teaches values that are particularly close to our hearts at Olivia Centre: responsibility, consistency, cooperation and the pursuit of long-term goals. Responsible business is also built on precisely these foundations. We believe that supporting young people, their activities, ambitions and healthy attitudes is an investment that brings value to the whole community,’ said Maciej Grabski, President of Olivia Centre.
A new chapter
The collaboration between Olivia Centre and the University of Gdańsk stems not only from the close proximity of the two institutions, but also from their shared values and a common vision of supporting initiatives important to the local community. The partnership is long-term in nature and goes beyond the traditional model of sponsorship, focusing on building lasting relationships and making a real social impact.
‘We are delighted to have such a strong brand as Olivia Centre on board. We are close neighbours and this collaboration will certainly be beneficial for both parties. Olivia has supported the sporting activities of ASA University of Gdańsk in the past, but this agreement is more than just a sponsorship deal. It marks a new chapter,’ emphasised AZS UG President Piotr Walczak.
Sporting values aligned with responsible business values
The significance of the agreement for the University stems from the importance of sport in shaping civic and academic attitudes. Representatives of Olivia Centre, in turn, point out that sporting values align with the values of responsible business. It is precisely this aspect of the partnership that gives it strategic importance for both the university and Olivia Centre as a partner actively involved in the life of the region.
‘Securing such a strong partner as the Olivia Centre represents a significant boost for academic sport at the University of Gdańsk. The close proximity and shared values mean that this collaboration has the potential for long-term, mutual benefit. Olivia Centre has previously supported the sporting activities of ASA University of Gdańsk, but the agreement signed today goes beyond the traditional model of sponsorship – it marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation based on partnership and a shared vision for development,’ added Piotr Walczak.
Olivia Centre’s assumption of the role of Patron of Academic Sport at the University of Gdańsk is part of a consistently implemented strategy to support initiatives of social and local importance. The partnership with the University of Gdańsk strengthens relations between business and the academic community, creating a space for joint activities promoting health, integration and the development of sport.
‘We are delighted that our idea for a responsible partnership has been welcomed by the university’s rectorate and representatives of Olivia Centre. We want to work together to create a space for fostering positive pro-social and pro-health attitudes within the academic community, which will become habits for years to come. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration and believe this is the first step towards building a solid group of patrons for academic sport at the University of Gdańsk,’ said CWFiS Director Tomasz Aftański.
Grzegorz Kidybiński, a member of the Board of Olivia Centre, emphasised that Olivia Centre’s cooperation with the University of Gdańsk has for years been based on mutual trust, closeness and the conviction that together we can implement socially important initiatives: ‘Supporting academic sport is a natural step for us. As a neighbour and partner of the University, we want to co-create projects that have a real impact on the quality of life of the academic community and the region.’
Olivia Centre is a modern business centre in Gdańsk, which has been involved for years in projects supporting the social, educational and cultural development of the region. The partnership with the University of Gdańsk is yet another example of initiatives designed to build a strong, active and responsible local community.
