For nearly seven years, the Bolesławiec University of the Third Age, operating at the Wrocław University of Economics, has brought its students joy and happiness while encouraging them to engage in intellectual, physical and social activities. The truth of these words could be seen during the 3rd Water University Games, held on Wednesday, February 12, at the Bolesławiec “Orka” Water Park. Around 70 UTA students took part in the event.
Among the invited guests were, among others, the UE rector’s plenipotentiary for the UTA in Bolesławiec, Dr Zygmunt Bobowski, Bolesławiec Mayor Piotr Roman, Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej President Wiesław Ogrodnik, head of the Municipal Office’s Social Department Beata Sulska, MOSiR Director Zbigniew Kowalczyk, and Robert Tomczyk, head of Orka. The event was opened by Wiesława Olczyk, founder and manager of the UTA.
“Swimming classes are the most popular at our university,” says Wiesława Olczyk. “It is our tradition to organize events that bring joy to our students,” she adds. What is more, many younger people could envy the UTA swimmers their fitness and skills.
As Wiesława Olczyk emphasizes, the Bolesławiec University of the Third Age fulfills educational and activating objectives. Activation here takes many forms: intellectual, physical, creative and social. Activity in later adulthood rejuvenates people and gives them wings.
A person entitled to a pension or disability pension may become a UTA student. The Bolesławiec institution maintains contacts with other universities of this type in Lower Silesia and beyond (its students take part in UTA forums, among other activities). It is also worth noting that the University helped the Municipality of Bolesławiec receive its first distinction in the “Local Government Friendly to Older People’s Education and Intergenerational Integration” competition.
The University’s program offering is tailored to the expectations and needs of its students (thanks to it, the Bolesławiec UTA received the Self-Accreditation Certificate from the Foundation for the Jagiellonian University in July 2011):
- English-language classes
- German-language classes
- basic computer skills classes
- physical activities: rehabilitation exercises, dance exercises, Chinese exercises, yoga, gym, oriental dance
- swimming pool: water rehabilitation, swimming lessons
- swimming pool: aerobics
- workshops: psychological, music, painting, theatre and cabaret
- cultural and educational club
- hiking section
- editorial and journalism section
- Nordic walking section.
“There is no better medicine than the University of the Third Age!” adds Wiesława Olczyk.
(information: ii)