How do you see the impact of your position in ISF, for girls?
"The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself" - Plato
Arguably, the mere fact of being a part of the ISF family gives amazing opportunities to promote the discipline that I represent as well as the values that are broadly related to competition in sports and personal development. I am not exercising any function in the organisation, though I am a part of the message that the ISF is pushing, so I can spread the awareness myself.
What is the message you would like to address to young girls on the importance of practicing school sport?
“Mens sana in corpore sano” – Juvenal
Different sports have been my passion since I was a child, and I can tell from my own experience gained at national & international venues that it has benefited me enormously from a social & health perspective, and strongly contributes to ones personal development.
What would you say to the public authority leaders regarding investment in school sport?
"Citius-Altius-Fortius"
I once wrote an article indicating that sport is a human high and I still stand by that theory. The government should not only support pro sports, but also grassroot sports and the coaches working with youth athletes. Those that not only coach, but also develop. Let's remember, that those individuals are usually very dedicated, passionate people that youth gravitate towards. What's the government mission though? Those kids will either become champions over time or will be simply healthier. That's a win-win situation.
In your opinion, how important are international sport events for the youth population and for young girls?
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest " – Benjamin Franklin
Each and every type of competition is relevant, especially those at international level. It has a feel of action, development, teaches how to be humble, goal-oriented & resilient. It also enables a genuine connection between people from different walks of life.
How did you manage in your sport environment (schools, club, federations...) through the COVID-19 situation, specifically for girls and what are the specific challenges for them?
The COVID-19 era poses a challenge to the society worldwide. Sport isn't any different here. For young people the most important is to be responsible and understanding of this situation. Young athletes in early stages of specialising in sports, initially faced difficulties in navigating life in isolation. At this present time, they're aware that it is necessary, that they have to workout online and that they're accountable not only for themselves, but also others.
Message from ISF President Laurent Petrynka & ISF Gender Equality Committee Chair Valérie Lebondo
About Renata Kopczyk:
From Poland, Renata Kopczyk is the ISF Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Commission President, and an attorney with a PhD in law, specialising in both, Polish and International commercial law as well as fast developing sport law. Having combined her childhood passion for sport with professional scientific work, in 2012 Renata defended her PhD thesis “Sports non-discrimination in the European Union law”. Additionally, she is also involved with the Polish Basketball Federation as a disciplinary judge, the Disciplinary Panel POLADA as a judge, the Lower Silesia Football Court of Arbitration as its Vice-President, and with the University Sports Association (AZS)